Waqf Bill 2024: A Tug-of-War Over Reforms and Amendments

Delhi - The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to reshape the governance and regulation of waqf properties in India, has sparked intense debates in Parliament. After its introduction, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was tasked with reviewing the bill, leading to a significant outcome—572 proposed amendments. These amendments reveal the bill’s controversial nature, as various stakeholders voice their concerns and propose changes.

Key Reforms in the Waqf Bill

At the heart of the proposed bill are several transformative provisions. First, the Waqf Act of 1995 is set to be renamed to the "United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995" (UWMEEDA). Additionally, the bill proposes a redefinition of waqf property criteria, the removal of 'waqf by user,' and restructuring Waqf Boards to include more diverse representation, especially Muslim women and non-Muslims. The bill also introduces separate Waqf Boards for specific communities like Boharas and Aghakhanis, alongside a central portal for waqf registration.

The Role of the 572 Amendments

The 572 amendments reflect the bill's far-reaching implications. While some amendments call for greater representation, others focus on the protection of women's rights and streamlining administrative processes. These amendments also highlight concerns regarding the bill's potential effects on the Muslim community and the management of waqf properties.