On Thursday, the Modi government introduced a contentious bill to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, proposing significant changes such as increased central government control and the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review.
The bill seeks to rename the Act to the ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995,’ and includes 44 amendments aimed at improving waqf property management. Proposed changes include empowering the central government to frame rules, protecting government properties from being declared waqf, and giving district collectors a role in waqf disputes.
Critics, including opposition parties and some Muslim groups, argue that the amendments were made without adequate consultation and could undermine the autonomy of waqf boards. They particularly oppose provisions allowing non-Muslims to join waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, and limiting waqf property claims based on a 12-year statute of limitations.
Supporters of the bill argue that the amendments will address issues of misuse and improve the efficiency of waqf administration. However, detractors fear that the changes could lead to increased central control and reduced judicial oversight.
