Waqf Bill Approved: Cabinet Okays Amendments

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

The Union Cabinet approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to improve the management of Waqf properties.
This decision follows a report by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) presented on February 13.
The bill proposes including non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards for broader representation.
It seeks to streamline the registration of Waqf properties, enhancing transparency and accountability.
The amended bill is scheduled to be introduced in the second half of the Budget Session.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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The Union Cabinet has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a significant step towards overhauling the governance of Waqf properties. This approval is based on the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which was presented in Parliament on February 13. Sources indicate that the Cabinet approved the amendments during a meeting on February 19, focusing on streamlining the registration and management of Waqf properties.

The report faced opposition during its tabling in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Opposition MPs alleged that their dissent notes were redacted from the JPC report. The Centre, however, denied these allegations, affirming its commitment to transparency. The government aims to ensure better management of Waqf properties nationwide.

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Sources revealed that the Union Cabinet’s approval paves the way for introducing the bill in the second half of the Budget Session, commencing on March 10. This bill aims to streamline the registration of Waqf properties and resolve associated disputes effectively.

The JPC, led by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, suggested several amendments to the legislation despite disagreement from the opposition. This included adopting amendments proposed by members of the ruling NDA and rejecting changes suggested by Opposition members during clause-by-clause discussions.

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Of the 44 amendments moved, changes to 14 clauses were suggested by the NDA members, all of which were accepted by the panel after a vote. This underscores the government’s proactive approach to improving the management of Waqf properties.

What is the Waqf Bill?

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes a complete overhaul of the governance of Waqf boards, which oversee properties donated for religious and charitable purposes by the Muslim community. This aims to bring about greater efficiency and accountability in the administration of these properties.

Key provisions of the bill include the inclusion of at least two non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards and arbitration by a government official to decide whether a property is Waqf property or not. These measures seek to ensure impartiality and transparency in the management of Waqf properties.

Following extensive deliberations, a final report of the JPC was presented to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30. The amended revised bill was adopted by the panel on January 29, with 14 amendments proposed by the ruling NDA members being approved, while the changes suggested by the opposition MPs were rejected.

Initially expected to be tabled during the Winter Session in November 2024, the bill was referred to the JPC for detailed examination. Now, with the Cabinet’s approval, it is expected to be introduced in the Budget Session, promising significant reforms in the governance of Waqf properties.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

The Union Cabinet approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, setting the stage for improved management of Waqf properties.
The bill aims to include non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards for inclusive governance.
Amendments proposed by the ruling NDA members were adopted by the parliamentary committee.
The Waqf bill will streamline the registration process of Waqf properties, ensuring transparency.
The amended bill is scheduled to be introduced in the second half of the Budget Session.