Rijiju Declares 'Historic Day' as Waqf Amendment Bill Set for Lok Sabha
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Synopsis
On April 2, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju labeled the upcoming introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha as a historic milestone, emphasizing its benefits for Muslims, women, and children.
Key Takeaways
- Kiren Rijiju refers to the day as historic.
- The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995.
- The Bill is intended to benefit Muslims, women, and children.
- Opposition concerns dismissed as political motives.
- Government hopes for broad political support.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju referred to Wednesday as a historic day as the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is prepared for introduction in the Lok Sabha.
Rijiju highlighted that the Bill, aimed at amending the Waqf Act of 1995, serves the national interest and will benefit the country as a whole, particularly Muslims, women, and children.
In a statement to the press before the parliamentary session, Rijiju remarked, “Today is a historic day, as the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 will be presented in the Lok Sabha. It is essential to clarify that this bill, introduced in the national interest, will gain support not just from millions of Muslims but from the entire nation. We are dedicated to initiatives that enhance the welfare of the nation, especially for disadvantaged Muslims, women, and children. Those who oppose this bill are motivated by political reasons. I will share further insights in the House.”
Rijiju’s remarks followed responses to opposition parties' concerns that the Waqf Bill could adversely affect the Muslim community.
The Minister reassured that the Bill would not pose any risk to Muslims, dismissing opposition claims as efforts to sow confusion. He pledged to provide comprehensive details in the Lok Sabha later that day.
Addressing the potential for discord, Rijiju urged the public to uphold peace and refrain from disseminating misinformation, referencing the controversies surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue, wherein opposition parties were accused of inciting unrest within the Muslim community.
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to modify the Waqf Act of 1995 to tackle existing challenges and enhance the management of Waqf properties in India.
The Bill seeks to optimize the functions of the Waqf Board, ensuring effective administration of these properties.
The Union government first announced the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Tuesday, stating that the Bill would be tabled in the Lok Sabha shortly after the Question Hour. A detailed debate lasting up to eight hours will follow.
This Bill builds upon the 2024 Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, which were introduced with similar goals of enhancing the operation of the Waqf Board and addressing ongoing management challenges.
The government is optimistic that the legislative amendments will receive broad support across the political spectrum.
