Milestone Achieved Under PM Modi for Transparent Waqf Board Oversight: Delhi CM
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Synopsis
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hailed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 as a landmark under PM Modi. The Bill promises enhanced transparency and justice in Waqf property management following extensive parliamentary debate and public input.
Key Takeaways
- Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 passed in Parliament.
- Significant public engagement with nearly one crore suggestions.
- Enhanced accountability and oversight for Waqf properties.
- Legislation marks a new era of transparency and justice.
- Legislation awaits President's assent.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday termed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Parliament as a landmark achievement led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifying the dawn of a new chapter in justice and transparency regarding Waqf property management.
The Rajya Sabha ratified the Bill in the early hours of Friday following an intense debate, with 128 members voting in favor and 95 against. The legislation had been approved by the Lok Sabha just a day before, after a nearly 12-hour discussion.
Following strong arguments for the Bill from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lower House, Leader of the Rajya Sabha and Union Minister J.P. Nadda led the debate in the Upper House, strongly criticizing the Opposition's stance.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Gupta remarked, "Today marks a historic milestone! Parliament has sanctioned the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which will put an end to years of injustice and corruption and herald a new era of justice and transparency."
She recalled the 2013 amendment to the Waqf Act, alleging it was hurriedly introduced for political gain.
"In 2013, the Waqf law was altered overnight for political appeasement, resulting in 123 VVIP properties in the Lutyens' zone of Delhi being allocated to the Waqf Board. This historic initiative under Prime Minister Modi's leadership will now ensure transparent oversight," she stated.
Emphasizing the thorough legislative process this time, Gupta noted, "The amendment Bill of 2013 was debated for a mere five-and-a-half hours in both Houses, while this Bill underwent discussions exceeding 16 hours in total. The Modi government established a joint committee that held 38 meetings, engaged in 113 hours of discussions, and included 284 stakeholders."
She also highlighted public involvement in the legislative process.
"Prior to presenting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to Parliament, the Modi administration collected nearly one crore online suggestions nationwide, which were analyzed to formulate this law. This demonstrates that while the Modi government supports the Muslims, the Opposition misleads for electoral gain," she mentioned, asserting that the Bill's approval signifies a new chapter in India’s progress.
Stressing the Bill's importance for good governance, she stated, "It was essential to enhance the accountability of the Waqf Board. This Bill will guarantee that Waqf properties are not exploited and that their advantages reach those in need. It will serve as a historic milestone towards transparency and good governance, providing justice to millions."
The Rajya Sabha debate on the Bill commenced on Thursday and continued late into the night before the Bill was passed early Friday. The legislation now awaits the assent of President Droupadi Murmu before becoming law.
