The Impressive TimesThe Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. This bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, focusing on improving the powers and functioning of State Waqf Boards, as well as addressing issues related to the registration and survey of Waqf properties.
The introduction of the bill has sparked significant reactions from various political parties. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari has criticized the government for not consulting the institutions directly impacted by the bill. He emphasized that an all-party meeting should have been convened to gather opposition suggestions and feedback on the proposed legislation.
Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Kumar Rai has stated that his party will oppose the introduction of the bill, indicating potential contention with the proposed amendments.
NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule has called for the bill to be referred to the standing committee for more thorough scrutiny and to gather additional recommendations before moving forward.
In contrast, the BJP has defended the bill, arguing that it aims to deliver justice to minorities who have faced difficulties due to the mismanagement of their properties by Waqf boards. BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal accused the Congress of allowing poor minorities to be harassed through the existing Waqf Board Act, framing the bill as a corrective measure to address these grievances.
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