Lok Sabha Okays Waqf (Amendment) Bill | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

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Lok Sabha Okays Waqf (Amendment) Bill

2 min read

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasizing that no non-Muslim will be part of the waqf or manage the religious institution.

Key Points from the Discussion

  • Separation of Administration and Religious Activities:
    • The Waqf Act and board came into effect in 1995.
    • No provision exists for appointing a non-Muslim to manage the religious institution.
    • The bill is not intended to interfere with Muslim religious practices or properties.
  • Accusations against the Opposition:
    • Shah accused the Opposition of spreading rumors to mislead people and intimidate minorities.
    • Non-Muslim members, if included, will only oversee the administrative aspects of waqf properties.
  • Historical Context and Need for the Amendment:
    • Amendments in 2013 are cited as politically motivated.
    • Properties in Lutyens’ Delhi were handed over to the Delhi Waqf Board under previous amendments.
    • The bill aims to prevent land grabbing under the guise of waqf.
  • Specific Examples of Misuse:
    • Karnataka High Court intervened in the waqf grabbing of 602 sq km.
    • Land in Tamil Nadu given to waqf for nominal rent, including a 400-year-old temple property.
    • Miscellaneous properties from different religions were misappropriated as waqf property.
  • Provisions of the Amended Bill:
    • Prevents community land from being donated as waqf property; only private land can be donated.
    • Aims to bring transparency similar to ASI and other property regulations.

Opposition's Viewpoint

  • Parties like Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and others opposed the bill.
  • Trinamool Congress MP emphasized the sacred nature of "waqf" in Islamic tradition.
  • Shiv Sena (UBT) MP expressed skepticism, linking the bill to political maneuvering ahead of elections.
  • Tags :
  • Waqf Bill
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