Union Cabinet approves the Revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Union Cabinet approves the Revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Posted 28 Feb 2025

2 min read

In revised bill suggestions of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) have been incorporated as per reports. 

  • Earlier, amendments were made in 2013 based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retired) Rajinder Sachar and the Report of the JPC.

About Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

  • Objective: To amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to improve regulation of Waqf properties.
  • Key Provisions: 
    • Inclusive composition of Waqf Management: Involvement of Muslim women and Muslim OBC in Management (Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards).
      • Central Waqf Council: Statutory body established in 1964, to oversee and advise state-level Waqf Boards across India. It does not exercise direct control over waqf property itself.
      • State Waqf Board: It has superintendence over maintenance and administration of Waqf properties.
    • Appeal on orders of Tribunals: Tribunal’s orders may be appealed in the High Court within 90 days.
    • Others: Using technology to improve registration, Separate Waqf Boards for the Aghakhani and Bohra communities, etc. 
Image showing why there is need of amending Waqf Act, 1995

What is ‘Waqf’?

  • Refers to properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, and any other use or sale of the property is prohibited
  • Waqf properties are bestowed upon Allah and are managed and administered by an appointed ‘mutawalli’.
  • Waqf Boards currently control 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across India. India has the largest waqf holding in the World. 
  • Tags :
  • Waqf
  • Waqf Act, 1995
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