The Central Cabinet has approved the Waqf Amendment Bill based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee. This bill includes 14 key amendments aimed at strengthening the management, protection, and legal aspects of Waqf properties across India.
Previously, when the Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties strongly opposed it. Due to this resistance, the bill was sent for review by the Parliamentary Joint Committee. Subsequently, the committee submitted a 655-page report to Parliament earlier this month.
Based on the recommendations of this report, the Central Cabinet has made amendments to the bill. The revised Waqf Amendment Bill is expected to be tabled again in the Lok Sabha during the second session of the Budget Session, which begins on February 10.
The bill includes key provisions such as mandatory proper registration of Waqf properties to prevent mismanagement, increased monitoring to curb irregularities, and expanded powers for state-level Waqf boards. These measures aim to ensure better governance and legal protection of Waqf properties.
Meanwhile, opposition parties argue that the bill is intended to interfere with properties belonging to the Muslim community and have voiced strong objections. Intense debates on this matter are expected to take place in Parliament.
