WAQF AMENDMENT BILL

GS 2 – POLITY

The Waqf Amendment Bill (2024) seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the management of Waqf properties. Key amendments include:

• Retaining the “Waqf by User” concept, recognizing properties used for religious purposes as Waqf.
• Allowing two non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board.
• Mandating the registration of Waqf properties and publishing their details online within six months.
• The bill was reviewed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after intense debates and 572 amendments were proposed.

Opposition Concerns:

• The opposition claims their amendments were ignored and that they were not fully involved in discussions.
• They raised concerns over the inclusion of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board, fearing it could undermine minority rights.

The bill has generated significant controversy, especially regarding minority representation and the management of religious properties.