Waqf Act Amendment Row: 2 Women to Be Part of National Council, More Female Representation in Boards

New Delhi: The Modi government is set to introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf boards, aiming to improve accountability and transparency in their functioning. The proposed changes include ensuring the inclusion of two women in the National Waqf Council and guaranteeing women's representation across Waqf Boards. The bill, which is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, also aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. The draft bill was circulated among Lok Sabha members on Tuesday night in preparation for its introduction.Proposed Changes in the Waqf ActThe forthcoming bill seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It was circulated to Lok Sabha members on Tuesday night in anticipation of its introduction. Key amendments include:Omission of Section 40: The bill proposes removing Section 40, which currently grants the board the authority to determine if a property is Waqf property.Enhanced Representation: The bill calls for a broader composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring the inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims.New Boards: It suggests establishing a separate Board of Auqaf for the Boharas and Aghakhanis, and ensures representation of various Muslim communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis, and other backward classes.Clear Definition of Waqf: The bill aims to define 'Waqf' as property dedicated by any person practicing Islam for at least five years and owning such property.Streamlined Registration: It introduces a central portal and database for Waqf registration and outlines a detailed procedure for property mutation in accordance with revenue laws, with proper notice to all concerned parties.What is Waqf?Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for religious, pious, or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim law. This involves endowing property—whether tangible or intangible—to God, with the aim of benefiting those in need. The management of Waqf properties is overseen by a central Waqf board and various state boards.What is the Waqf Act?The Waqf Act was initially passed by Parliament in 1954 but was later repealed and replaced by a new Waqf Act in 1995, which conferred greater powers to Waqf Boards. An amendment in 2013 further expanded these powers, allowing the Waqf Board to designate properties as 'Waqf Property.'What Are the Proposed Amendments?The government is considering 32-40 amendments to the Waqf Act. Proposed changes include:Property Registration: Mandating the Waqf Board to register its properties with the District Collector's office for evaluation.Inclusivity: Ensuring women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards.Judicial Scrutiny: Allowing judicial review of Waqf properties to verify their status as Waqf assets.Waqf PropertiesThe Waqf board is one of the largest landholders in India, ranking third after the Railways and the Defence department. It manages 872,292 registered Waqf properties across 800,000 acres, generating approximately Rs 200 crore in revenue. Approximately 200 individuals oversee the state Waqf boards.

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Waqf Act Amendment Row: 2 Women to Be Part of National Council, More Female Representation in Boards

A bill to amend the law governing Waqf boards proposes significant changes, including increased representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims.

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