Significant Overhaul Proposed for Waqf Laws to Enhance Inclusivity and Efficiency

A new bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to include significant changes such as the inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf boards. It also proposes renaming it to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act among other changes to streamline operations.

A groundbreaking bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, has been proposed, targeting sweeping reforms. The legislation aims to include Muslim women and non-Muslims in the governance of Waqf boards.

Set for introduction in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes renaming the Act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. The bill, circulated among Lok Sabha members, seeks to revoke Section 40, which relates to the board's powers in determining if a property is Waqf property.

The draft law proposes a diversified composition for the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, representing Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis, and other backward classes within Muslim communities. Additionally, the bill outlines the creation of a separate Board of Auqaf for the Boharas and Aghakhanis.

One notable objective includes refining the registration process of Waqfs through a centralized portal and database, while also establishing a detailed procedure for property mutation according to revenue laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)