Waqf Amendment Bill 2024: Key Changes and Implications for Muslim Charitable Properties
Union Cabinet Approves Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 to Overhaul Waqf Property Management
In a significant move to reform the management of Muslim charitable properties, the Union Cabinet has granted its approval for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. The Bill, based on the findings of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report tabled in Parliament earlier this month, introduces crucial changes aimed at improving the administration of Waqf properties in India.
What is the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to modify the existing Waqf Act of 1995, addressing concerns and inefficiencies in the management of Waqf properties. The legislation comes after years of deliberation and aims to streamline the process of managing these properties, which are owned by Muslim religious and charitable institutions.
The amendment bill proposes 44 changes to the laws governing both state and central Waqf boards, which are responsible for overseeing these charitable properties. The objective is to ensure better governance, transparency, and enhanced participation in the management process.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2023 by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, aims to address challenges such as outdated administrative systems and outdated property registration processes. It also aims to increase the role of technology in managing records, improving overall operational efficiency.
Key Changes in the Waqf Amendment Bill
Several significant changes have been proposed in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which reflect a modern approach to property management, gender equality, and inclusivity:
- Women’s Empowerment in Waqf Management: The bill ensures the continued inclusion of two Muslim women as members of both the State Waqf Boards (Section 14) and the Central Waqf Council (Section 9). This is a significant step toward empowering Muslim women and increasing their participation in decision-making processes related to Waqf management.
- Representation for Muslim OBC Communities: A new provision ensures that one member from the Muslim Other Backward Classes (OBC) community will be included in the State Waqf Boards. This aims to enhance representation and inclusivity within the Waqf administration.
- Separate Waqf Boards for Aghakhani and Bohra Communities: The bill allows state governments to establish separate Waqf Boards for the Aghakhani and Bohra Muslim communities. This move is intended to address the unique needs and challenges faced by these communities in managing their Waqf properties.
- Women’s Inheritance Rights in Family Waqfs: The amendment aims to safeguard the inheritance rights of women in Waqf Alal Aulad (family waqfs). The bill stipulates that a waqif (property donor) must ensure that female heirs receive their rightful share before dedicating properties to Waqf purposes. This is a vital step in ensuring gender equity in the management of family-owned Waqf properties.
The Significance of the Waqf Amendment Bill
India has the largest collection of Waqf properties in the world, with the Waqf Board overseeing 8.7 lakh properties spread across 9.4 lakh acres of land. The total value of these properties is estimated to be around ₹1.2 lakh crores, making the Waqf Board the largest landowner in India after the Indian Railways and the Armed Forces. This vast landholding underscores the importance of efficient and transparent management to ensure that the assets benefit the community and contribute to the social and economic development of the nation.
The reform aims to modernize the administrative system by incorporating technology, improving the registration process, and making Waqf boards more accountable. By addressing long-standing issues related to property management, the amendment bill is expected to lead to better governance and increased trust in the system.
Challenges and Opposition to the Waqf Bill
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has not been without controversy. The bill faced strong opposition from certain political groups, particularly from the opposition parties, who raised concerns about its implications for religious autonomy and the potential misuse of power by the government. These objections led to brief adjournments during the parliamentary proceedings.
Despite the opposition, the government has moved forward with the approval of the bill, stressing that the reforms are in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring fair and transparent management of Waqf properties while safeguarding the interests of minority communities.
What’s Next for Waqf Reform?
Now that the Union Cabinet has approved the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, the legislation will likely be debated further in Parliament before being enacted into law. The government’s goal is to implement these changes smoothly and gradually, ensuring that Waqf properties are better managed and that the reforms are fully realized.
While the bill promises to bring positive changes in the management of Waqf properties, its successful implementation will depend on the cooperation of state governments, religious institutions, and local communities. The amendment bill’s focus on women’s rights, inclusivity, and efficient management marks a critical step forward for Waqf reform in India.