Waqf Bill 2024: Reform or Controversy? -

Introduction

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to bring reforms in the management of waqf properties such as land and assets dedicated to religious and charitable purposes in Islam. Over the years, there have been concerns about mismanagement, disputes, and encroachments, leading to the need for changes in the law.

Why Was the Bill Introduced?

The concept of waqf dates back centuries, but legal regulations began with the British-era Waqf Act of 1923.
India’s government passed several amendments in 1954, 1995, and 2013 to improve transparency, but problems persisted.
Issues such as illegal land claims, corruption, and unclear administration led to the need for stricter regulations.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a legislative proposal aimed at bringing significant reforms to the management of waqf properties in India. Waqf properties are assets—primarily land or buildings—dedicated for religious, charitable, or educational purposes in Islam. These properties are considered a form of charitable trust, intended to benefit communities and fund social welfare activities.

The bill seeks to address the challenges surrounding the management, regulation, and misuse of waqf properties. It proposes reforms to ensure more transparency, accountability, and efficient management of these properties. Key objectives of the bill include:

Strengthening Governance: The bill aims to improve the oversight of waqf institutions by introducing measures to ensure that management is transparent and accountable.
Reforming the Waqf Board: It proposes restructuring the state waqf boards to enhance their effectiveness in administering waqf properties. This includes measures to increase the participation of experts in board management and address corruption and mismanagement.
Property Registration and Documentation: The bill emphasizes the need for proper documentation and registration of waqf properties, which will help in preventing encroachments and disputes over property ownership.
Modernizing Management: With the introduction of digital tools and technologies, the bill aims to modernize how waqf properties are managed, making it easier to track, monitor, and utilize these assets for the intended purposes.
Beneficiary Focus: The reform also stresses the importance of ensuring that the benefits of waqf properties directly reach the intended beneficiaries—such as religious, educational, and healthcare sectors—rather than being misappropriated.

Key Changes in the 2024 Bill

Stricter Registration: All waqf properties must be registered with the District Collector to prevent illegal claims.
Power Shift to District Collectors: Instead of waqf boards, District Collectors will now decide whether a property is waqf or government land.
No More Oral Declarations: Waqf property must be declared through a legal document (waqfnama), stopping disputes over verbal claims.
More Inclusive Representation: The bill proposes adding Muslim women and non-Muslims to waqf boards for better governance.
Stronger Dispute Resolution: Appeals against Waqf Board decisions can now be taken to the High Court.

Recent Developments

The government plans to introduce the bill in Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025.

The BJP is seeking support from other political parties, but opposition groups argue that the bill is unconstitutional and unfair to the Muslim community.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is an effort to improve transparency and accountability in waqf property management. While it aims to tackle corruption and land disputes, opposition voices raise concerns about potential biases. The upcoming parliamentary debate will determine its impact on waqf governance in India.

Sources:

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Introduction

Why Was the Bill Introduced?

Key Changes in the 2024 Bill

Recent Developments

Conclusion

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