 |
|
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has staunchly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, amidst concerns that it may harm the interests of the Muslim community. In a statement delivered after introducing the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju unequivocally asserted that the legislation is designed to protect the autonomy of the Waqf Board and ensure that its management and beneficiaries remain exclusively Muslim. He emphatically refuted allegations that non-Muslims would have any role in the board's affairs, emphasizing the Bill's commitment to preserving the integrity of Waqf properties and their administration within the Muslim community. Rijiju's address sought to allay fears and criticisms surrounding the bill, painting it as a necessary step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of Waqf assets. The minister’s remarks underscore the government's intention to modernize Waqf administration while safeguarding the religious and cultural rights of the Muslim community in India. The Waqf Board, in essence, acts as a custodian of properties dedicated to religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Its primary function is to oversee the proper management and utilization of these properties for the benefit of the community. Concerns surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill typically revolve around potential encroachments on the board's autonomy or perceived threats to the community's control over its own religious endowments. By firmly asserting that non-Muslims will have no interference in the Waqf Board's affairs, Rijiju aims to reassure the Muslim community that the bill is not intended to undermine their rights or religious freedom. This assurance is particularly significant given the historical sensitivities surrounding Waqf properties and the ongoing debates about their management and preservation. The legislation, as presented by Rijiju, appears to be driven by a desire to streamline the administration of Waqf properties, enhance their economic potential, and ensure that they are used effectively for the benefit of the Muslim community. The emphasis on accountability and transparency suggests a commitment to preventing mismanagement and corruption within the Waqf system. However, the success of the bill will ultimately depend on its ability to address the legitimate concerns of the Muslim community and foster a sense of trust and confidence in the government's intentions. The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, comes at a time when religious and cultural identities are increasingly politicized in India. The government's handling of this legislation will likely have significant implications for its relationship with the Muslim community and its broader commitment to secularism and religious freedom. Rijiju's emphasis on the Muslim-only control of the Waqf Board serves as a crucial message of reassurance in this context. The key lies in ensuring that the bill's provisions are implemented in a fair and transparent manner, with full respect for the rights and autonomy of the Muslim community.
Further elaborating on the bill's provisions, Kiren Rijiju categorically dismissed claims that it is unconstitutional or that it curtails the rights of Muslims to manage their own properties. He stated that any Muslim who wishes to manage their property through a trust can do so without facing any restrictions. This assertion directly addresses concerns that the bill might infringe upon the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Rijiju explained that the Waqf Board operates similarly to a Charity Commissioner, responsible for overseeing the proper management of Waqf properties and ensuring that they are utilized in accordance with their intended purposes. The bill, according to Rijiju, aims to strengthen the Waqf Board's capacity to fulfill this role by promoting accountability, transparency, and capacity building within the organization. A significant aspect of the bill, as highlighted by Rijiju, is the requirement for proof of ownership before a property can be declared Waqf. This provision is intended to prevent the wrongful designation of properties as Waqf, which had been a concern under the previous system where any claim by the Waqf Board automatically led to its designation as Waqf property. The requirement for proof of ownership aims to safeguard the rights of property owners and prevent the misuse of the Waqf system for land grabbing or other illegitimate purposes. This is a crucial element of the bill's effort to enhance the credibility and integrity of the Waqf Board and its operations. The minister's explanation of the bill's provisions reflects a clear intention to address specific concerns and criticisms that have been raised about the Waqf system. By emphasizing the safeguards that are in place to protect the rights of property owners and prevent the misuse of the Waqf system, Rijiju seeks to build confidence in the bill and its objectives. The emphasis on transparency and accountability is also intended to reassure the Muslim community that the bill is not designed to undermine their rights or religious freedom. The bill aims to modernize the Waqf system and ensure that Waqf properties are managed efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the community. However, the success of the bill will ultimately depend on its ability to address the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders and foster a sense of trust and confidence in the government's intentions.
Rijiju further bolstered his defense of the bill by emphasizing the extensive consultations and deliberations that preceded its introduction. He stated that the bill underwent thorough scrutiny and that the government received over one crore memoranda and suggestions from the public. A Parliamentary Committee conducted consultations across ten major cities in India, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Patna, Chennai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow. This extensive outreach effort demonstrates the government's commitment to engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their feedback into the bill. The consultations involved a wide range of organizations, community leaders, and individuals, providing ample opportunity for concerns and suggestions to be raised and addressed. The fact that over one crore memoranda and suggestions were received is a testament to the public's interest in the bill and the government's willingness to listen to their concerns. The minister's emphasis on the extensive consultations and deliberations is intended to demonstrate that the bill is not simply a top-down initiative but rather a product of careful consideration and public input. This approach is crucial for building consensus and ensuring that the bill is widely accepted and supported. The Parliamentary Committee's consultations across ten cities also provided an opportunity to gather firsthand information about the challenges and opportunities facing the Waqf system in different parts of the country. This information was likely used to inform the bill's provisions and ensure that it is tailored to the specific needs of the Muslim community. The government's commitment to engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their feedback into the bill is a positive sign that it is taking a collaborative approach to reforming the Waqf system. This approach is essential for building trust and ensuring that the bill is implemented in a manner that is fair, transparent, and effective. The minister's detailed account of the consultations and deliberations serves to demonstrate that the bill is not a rushed or ill-considered piece of legislation but rather a product of careful planning and extensive public engagement. The government's willingness to listen to the concerns of the Muslim community and incorporate their feedback into the bill is a crucial step towards building a strong and inclusive society.
Tracing the history of efforts to reform the Waqf Board, Kiren Rijiju highlighted past initiatives, including the 1976 Congress-led government's inquiry commission and the 2006 Sachar Committee Report. The Sachar Committee Report, in particular, recommended strengthening and digitizing the Waqf Board to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. At the time, Waqf properties totalled 4.9 lakh, with an annual income of Rs 163 crore. The Sachar Committee estimated that, properly assessed, these properties could generate Rs 12,000 crore annually. Today, Waqf properties have grown to 8.72 lakh, indicating a significant potential for increased revenue. Rijiju also cited a reference of the JPC led by K. Rehman Khan, a former Minority Affairs Minister, which found inadequate infrastructure, manpower, and funding in the Waqf Board. The JPC had then proposed a centralized data bank and structured leasing policies for Waqf properties. By referencing these past efforts, Rijiju aims to demonstrate that the current bill is not a new or radical departure but rather a continuation of ongoing efforts to reform the Waqf system. He also seeks to highlight the failures of previous governments to address the challenges facing the Waqf Board and to emphasize the Modi government's commitment to implementing long-overdue reforms. The Sachar Committee Report's findings on the potential revenue that could be generated from Waqf properties serve as a powerful argument for the need to modernize and improve the management of these assets. The report's estimates suggest that Waqf properties could play a significant role in promoting the economic empowerment of the Muslim community. The fact that Waqf properties have grown significantly since the Sachar Committee Report was released underscores the importance of ensuring that these assets are managed efficiently and effectively. The JPC's findings on the inadequate infrastructure, manpower, and funding in the Waqf Board highlight the need for increased investment and support for the organization. The JPC's proposals for a centralized data bank and structured leasing policies also provide a roadmap for improving the management of Waqf properties. By referencing these past efforts, Rijiju seeks to position the current bill as a necessary step towards addressing the long-standing challenges facing the Waqf system and realizing its full potential.
Furthermore, Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the Modi government is implementing recommendations that previous Congress and UPA governments failed to act upon. He pointed out that the 2013 UPA government attempted Waqf Board reforms ahead of elections, forming a JPC with 13 members, holding 22 meetings, and consulting 14 states. In contrast, the current JPC had 31 members, convened 36 meetings, engaged with 284 delegations and organizations, and consulted 25 states, five minority commissions, multiple MLAs and MPs. The number of memoranda submitted has increased dramatically from 32 in 2013 to over one crore now. By drawing a comparison between the Modi government's efforts and those of previous governments, Rijiju seeks to highlight the current administration's commitment to reforming the Waqf system. He argues that the Modi government is taking a more comprehensive and thorough approach to the issue, engaging with a wider range of stakeholders and incorporating more feedback into the bill. The fact that the current JPC had more members, convened more meetings, and engaged with more delegations and organizations is intended to demonstrate that the Modi government is taking the issue more seriously and is more committed to finding a solution. The dramatic increase in the number of memoranda submitted also suggests that the Modi government is more successful at engaging with the public and soliciting their feedback. By highlighting the differences between the Modi government's approach and that of previous governments, Rijiju seeks to position the current bill as a more effective and comprehensive solution to the challenges facing the Waqf system. He argues that the Modi government is more committed to reforming the Waqf system and is taking a more thorough and inclusive approach to the issue. This comparison is intended to bolster the government's credibility and build support for the bill.
In conclusion, Kiren Rijiju asserted that the BJP government had the will to bring these long-pending reforms. "These committees were set up during Congress and UPA rule, yet they failed to act. The Narendra Modi government is fulfilling these recommendations that the Congress did not dare to implement," he said. The bill, according to the Minister, ensures greater accountability and efficiency in Waqf property management, addressing longstanding concerns while safeguarding the rights and autonomy of the Muslim community. The Minister's final statement underscores the narrative that the current government is finally acting on recommendations that have been gathering dust for years. This narrative aims to showcase the Modi government as decisive and effective, willing to tackle difficult issues that previous administrations avoided. By positioning the current reforms as fulfilling long-standing needs, the Minister seeks to legitimize the bill and garner wider support. He also emphasizes the safeguarding of the rights and autonomy of the Muslim community, directly addressing concerns and criticisms that the bill might undermine these very principles. The emphasis on accountability and efficiency is intended to reassure the public that the reforms are designed to improve the Waqf system and prevent mismanagement of resources. In essence, the concluding remarks reinforce the overall message that the bill is a necessary and well-intentioned measure designed to benefit the Muslim community and enhance the Waqf system. However, the success of the bill will ultimately depend on its implementation and its ability to deliver on its promises of greater accountability, efficiency, and protection of the Muslim community's rights and autonomy. The Minister’s words aim to build confidence and allay fears, but the true test lies in the practical outcomes of the legislation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a complex piece of legislation with potentially far-reaching consequences for the Muslim community in India. While the government asserts that the bill is designed to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the Waqf system and protect the rights and autonomy of the Muslim community, concerns remain about the potential for unintended consequences. The key to the bill's success will be its implementation and its ability to address the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders. It is essential that the government engage in ongoing dialogue with the Muslim community and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the bill is implemented in a fair, transparent, and effective manner. The bill represents an opportunity to modernize the Waqf system and unlock its potential to contribute to the economic empowerment of the Muslim community. However, it is crucial that the government proceed with caution and ensure that the bill is implemented in a way that respects the rights and autonomy of the Muslim community and promotes social harmony. The debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in balancing religious freedom, secular governance, and the rights of minority communities in India. The government's handling of this legislation will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to secularism and religious pluralism.
Source: No Non-Muslim Can Interfere In Waqf Board, Says Kiren Rijiju