New Delhi, September 17, 2024 – In a significant move aimed at reforming the management and preservation of Waqf properties across India, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is slated for passage in the Parliament in the coming days, as confirmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This legislative proposal seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, introducing measures to enhance transparency, prevent misuse, and streamline the administration of Waqf properties.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, has been a focal point of discussion due to its comprehensive approach towards the management of properties dedicated under Muslim law for religious or charitable purposes.
Here are the key features of the bill based on information available up to September 17, 2024:
– Centralized Registration: The bill mandates the registration of all Waqf properties with District Collectors, aiming for greater transparency and accountability in property dealings.
– Board Composition: Changes in the composition of Waqf Boards are proposed, shifting from elected members to nominations by the state government, including a current or former District Court judge as chairman, and a senior government officer, aiming to bring judicial and administrative expertise into the board’s functioning.
– Digital Integration: There’s a provision for setting up a digital platform for the online registration and monitoring of Waqf properties, which could modernize the management and reduce conflicts over property rights.
– Audit and Oversight: The central government will have the power to make rules regarding the registration, publication of accounts, and proceedings of Waqf Boards, with provisions for audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) or a designated officer.
– Repeal of Obsolete Legislation: The bill also seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, marking an end to colonial-era legislation in favor of modern legal frameworks.
The introduction of the bill has sparked a debate, with opposition parties raising concerns over what they describe as an infringement on religious matters and federal structure. However, supporters of the bill, including key allies of the BJP, argue that it aims at bringing much-needed reform and transparency to the management of Waqf properties.
“Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is committed to the management, preservation and misuse of Waqf properties. It would be passed in the Parliament in the coming days…” – Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the press, emphasized the bill’s commitment to not only preserve Waqf properties but also to prevent their misuse, indicating a strong push towards what the government sees as rectification of historical mismanagement. The bill, after its introduction, was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny, which invited suggestions from the public, NGOs, and other stakeholders, indicating a participatory approach in its legislative journey.
As Parliament reconvenes for its upcoming sessions, all eyes will be on how this bill progresses, potentially setting a new precedent in the management of religious endowments in India, reflecting the government’s broader agenda on property rights and religious institution governance.
