1. BJP-led government to introduce Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha.
2. Aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 and strengthen Waqf Boards’ powers.
3. Focuses on waqf property registration, surveys, and removing encroachments.
New Delhi, Aug 08: The BJP-led government is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, aiming to amend the Waqf Act, 1995.
This bill seeks to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will introduce the bill, which also proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995 as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
The bill aims to define “waqf” more clearly, ensuring that only those practising Islam for at least five years and owning the property can create a waqf. It also addresses the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad, preventing it from denying inheritance rights to women.
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Additionally, the bill proposes to omit provisions related to “waqf by user” and transfers the responsibility for waqf property surveys from the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or a designated officer.
The bill further provides for a more inclusive composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims.
It also includes provisions for the establishment of a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis and ensures representation of Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other backward classes within Muslim communities.
In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Rijiju will also introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, introduced during the Congress-led UPA government, from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 also aims to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database, reform the Tribunal structure with two members, and establish a procedure for appeals to the High Court within 90 days of a Tribunal’s decision.
