Kiren Rijiju explains 4 key provisions of Waqf Bill: Won't snatch Muslim rights

Kiren Rijiju criticised the Opposition for spreading misinformation, highlighted past government actions regarding waqf properties, and questioned the 2013 amendment that allowed non-Muslims to create waqf.

In Short

• Rijiju presented Waqf Amendment Bill amid opposition uproar
• Bill aims to improve waqf property management and tech use
• Rijiju assured no Muslim rights or land would be taken

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, amid strong opposition from various political parties. Addressing concerns and dispelling rumours, the minister clarified that the bill aims to empower Muslim women and children, rather than take away rights from the community.

Rijiju also reassured that no land would be taken away under the Waqf Bill, countering speculation that the legislation could lead to the seizure of Waqf properties.

He said there are four provisions in the bill which would be renamed as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) bill.

The four key provisions in the bill that have sparked opposition are:

1. Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Council

The bill mandates the inclusion of up to four non-Muslim members, including at least two women, in the Waqf Council.

2. Supervisory Role of the Waqf Board

The Waqf Board’s role is limited to supervision of Waqf properties managed by Mutawallis (custodians).

"In no way does the Waqf Board directly manage Waqf properties," Rijiju emphasised.

3. Diverse Representation in the Waqf Board

The bill ensures representation from Shia, Sunni, Bohra, backward Muslim communities, women, and non-Muslim experts in the Waqf Board.

Rijiju explained, "For example, as a Minority Affairs Minister, even if I am not a Muslim, I automatically become the Chairman of the Central Waqf Council. Despite this, the Council will have a maximum of four non-Muslim members, including two women."

4. Clarification on Religious Site Management

The provisions of the Waqf Board do not affect the management of any mosque, temple, or religious site.

The bill strictly pertains to property management, with Waqf properties remaining under the oversight of the Waqf Board and Mutawallis.

"The provisions of the Waqf Board have nothing to do with the management of any mosque, temple, or religious site. It is simply a matter of property management. However, Waqf properties are managed by the Waqf Board and the Mutawalli," he said.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, seeks to update the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. It aims to address shortcomings in the existing law, enhance efficiency, streamline registration, and incorporate technology for better record-keeping.