The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has undergone several significant changes, implemented based on JPC recommendations and suggestions from allied parties like JD(U) and TDP. The bill is scheduled to be presented in the Lok Sabha tomorrow.
What are the significant amendments in the Bill?
- The state government will maintain control and play a role in matters related to Waqf properties.
- To determine whether a property is Waqf or not, the state government can appoint officials ranking above collectors.
- Existing old mosques, dargahs, or other Muslim religious places will not be altered, and the law will not be retroactive. This suggestion from the JD(U) has been accepted.
- The list of Awqaf must be updated on the portal within 90 days of publication in the gazette.
- There will be two non-Muslim members in addition to ex-officio members on the Waqf council.
- The joint secretary related to Waqf affairs will be an ex-officio member of the Waqf Board.
Some of these provisions might provoke controversy, such as:
-Increasing non-Muslim membership in the Waqf council/board:
An amendment under Section 11 has been accepted, stipulating that ex-officio members, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, will not be counted among the non-Muslim members. Now, the committee can include two non-Muslim members (Hindus or people from other religions), along with an official from the state government.
-Evidence required to donate Waqf property:
Controversial Section 14, proposed by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, is included in the bill. According to this amendment, someone can only dedicate property to Waqf if they have adhered to Islam for at least five years. Proof of no fraudulent activity in the property dedication is also required.
-The Waqf tribunal now has three members:
Previously, the tribunal only included two members. With the amendments, it now includes a third member, an Islamic scholar.
Senior officer appointment over collector for investigation:
Earlier, the responsibility of surveying and monitoring Waqf properties rested with the collector. Now, a senior official appointed by the state government can take charge of these duties.
The bill presentation scheduled for tomorrow at noon:
The picture has now become clearer for the Waqf Amendment Bill, which will be presented in the Lok Sabha on April 2 at noon. The Business Advisory Committee meeting has given its nod, and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by BJP will issue a three-line whip to ensure the presence of its MPs in the house.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned that eight hours of discussion time have been allocated, which can be extended with the house's consent. In a special conversation with Aaj Tak, Rijiju stated that if anyone wishes to walk out or evade the discussion, they cannot be stopped. He emphasized, however, that discussions should proceed to provide each party an opportunity to present their views.
