Waqf (Amendment) Bill Gains Backing, Calls for Transparency and Inclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in Lok Sabha seeks to enhance transparency in the Waqf Board's operations. Supported by NDA allies like JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena, and LJP, the Bill aims to include Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards. Proposals for sending the Bill to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny have been welcomed.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, aimed at enhancing transparency in the Waqf Board's operations, was introduced in Lok Sabha on Thursday and received backing from NDA allies JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena, and LJP.

The Bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, proposes sending it to a joint parliamentary committee after facing objections from opposition parties over its provisions.

JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' defended the Bill, stating it seeks to make the Waqf Board's functioning transparent and is not anti-Muslim.

TDP MP G M Harish Balayogi and LJP MP Shambhavi Choudhary highlighted the Bill's aim to protect donors' intent and uplift poor Muslims and women, suggesting the Bill be sent to a parliamentary committee if wider consultations are needed.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde accused the opposition of politicizing the Bill and spreading misinformation while defending the need for transparency and accountability.

The Bill's proposed changes aim at ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, with intentions to rename it as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.

(With inputs from agencies.)