Introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha
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Synopsis
On April 2, 2025, Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha, aiming to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 and improve property management. The bill faces opposition claims of insufficient amendment time and political motivations behind dissent.
Key Takeaways
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha.
- Kiren Rijiju emphasized its national benefits.
- The bill aims to enhance Waqf property management.
- The opposition claims the legislation is being rushed.
- A detailed debate is scheduled for up to eight hours.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, presented the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, despite chants from the opposition members. A discussion lasting eight hours regarding the bill, which is subject to extension, is on the agenda.
The opposition argued that the government is "bulldozing the legislation", claiming they were not allotted sufficient time for amendments since the bill was introduced.
Earlier, Rijiju heralded the day as "historic", announcing the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha.
He underscored that the bill, aimed at revising the Waqf Act of 1995, serves the national interest and will provide benefits to the entire nation, particularly Muslims, women, and children.
In a media briefing before the parliamentary session, Rijiju remarked, "Today is a historic day, as the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 will be presented in the Lok Sabha. I want to make it very clear that this bill, introduced in the national interest, will be supported not only by millions of Muslims but by the entire country. We are committed to any initiative that benefits the nation, especially for the welfare of poor Muslims, women, and children. Those opposing the bill are doing so for political reasons. I will present the rest of my arguments in the House."
The Waqf Amendment Bill is intended to modify the Waqf Act of 1995 to tackle current challenges and enhance the management of Waqf properties throughout India.
The bill seeks to optimize the operations of the Waqf Board, ensuring better administration of these properties.
The Union government first announced the forthcoming introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Tuesday, indicating that it would be tabled in the Lok Sabha shortly after the Question Hour. Following this, a thorough debate of up to eight hours is anticipated.
This bill builds upon the 2024 Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, both introduced with similar aims to enhance the functioning of the Waqf Board and address persistent management challenges.
The government expresses optimism that the legislative amendments will receive broad support across the political landscape.
