The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to bring reforms to the management and administration of Waqf properties, has received approval from the Modi Cabinet. This bill is expected to play a significant role in ensuring that Waqf properties, which are meant for charitable or religious purposes, are better regulated and their resources are used efficiently. The Cabinet’s approval came after the bill was revised following the recommendations of a parliamentary committee led by Jagdambika Pal. The committee’s report was presented in Parliament on February 13, and based on that, a new draft of the bill was prepared.
Key Features of the Waqf Amendment Bill-
- Improved Management of Waqf Properties: The bill seeks to streamline the management and governance of Waqf properties, ensuring that they are utilized in line with their intended charitable and religious objectives.
- Reforms in Waqf Boards: It aims to introduce reforms in Waqf Boards, which are responsible for overseeing the Waqf properties, to make them more efficient, transparent, and accountable. This will ensure that there is better monitoring of how these properties are managed and used.
- Dispute Resolution: The bill proposes mechanisms for faster resolution of disputes related to Waqf properties, which have often been mired in legal delays.
- Transparency and Accountability: One of the core focuses of the amendment is to ensure greater transparency in the functioning of Waqf boards and the allocation of resources from these properties.
- Regulation of Unregistered Waqf Properties: It also seeks to bring in measures to regulate and document unregistered Waqf properties, which are often mismanaged due to a lack of proper documentation.
- Strengthening Legal Framework: The bill proposes strengthening the legal framework to combat the illegal occupation of Waqf properties and ensure that the resources are used for the welfare of the community.
Legislative Process
Initial Introduction: The bill was first introduced in August 2024 but was sent to a parliamentary committee after facing opposition.
Parliamentary Committee’s Review: The committee, after reviewing the bill and gathering feedback, proposed some changes to the original draft. The report of this committee was presented in Parliament on February 13, 2025.
Cabinet Approval: The Cabinet approved the revised version of the bill on February 19, 2025.
Presentation in Parliament: The bill is now set to be presented during the second part of the Budget Session, starting from March 10, 2025.
Implications of the Bill-
- Better Use of Resources: By improving the management and transparency of Waqf properties, the bill will ensure that these assets are used more effectively for public welfare, education, healthcare, and other charitable purposes.
- Empowerment of Local Communities: The bill may empower local communities by ensuring that the revenues from Waqf properties are directed toward initiatives that benefit society at large.
- Legal Clarity: The bill aims to clear any legal ambiguities surrounding Waqf property disputes, which will likely reduce the backlog in courts and promote a more efficient legal process.
However, the Waqf Amendment Bill is a crucial step toward improving the governance of Waqf properties, ensuring they are properly regulated, and their benefits are directed toward charitable causes. Its passage in Parliament will be an important development in the administration of these properties and could bring about significant reforms in the management of community resources.
