What is the Waqf Amendment Bill?
By Radiocity Team
Published Apr 03, 2025
What is Waqf?
Waqf is a property (like land or buildings) dedicated solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. It cannot be sold or used otherwise.
Vast Holdings
India has huge Waqf holdings (8.7 lakh properties, 9.4 lakh acres), making Waqf Boards the third-largest landowner after the Armed Forces and Railways.
The Amendment Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to change the original Waqf Act of 1995 to improve how these properties are managed.
Bill`s Objective
To fix problems in regulating Waqf properties, enhance administration, ensure better management of assets, and improve Waqf board efficiency.
Key Issues Targeted
Problems included poor management, illegal land occupation, ownership disputes, lack of higher court appeals for tribunal decisions, and slow surveys.
Misuse Concerns
Some state Waqf boards allegedly misused powers (like Section 40) to incorrectly declare private property as Waqf, causing disputes.
Major Bill Changes
It renames the Act, updates definitions, promotes technology for records, and mandates including women and non-Muslims on Waqf boards.
Shift in Powers
The Bill removes Waqf status from government property. Boards lose the power to declare property as Waqf. The central government gains more rule-making power.
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Intended Benefits
Aims for transparency via digitization, better finances via audits (by CAG possible), and more funds for community welfare by stopping misuse.
Controversy
The government claims it helps minorities; the opposition calls it "anti-Muslim," unconstitutional, and says it weakens Waqf boards` authority.
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