The Union Cabinet has approved 14 key amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Wakf Amendment Bill. Following this decision, the bill will now be introduced in Parliament during the second phase of the Budget Session in March.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved 14 key amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Wakf Amendment Bill. Following this decision, the bill will now be tabled in Parliament during the second phase of the Budget Session in March. The session, scheduled from March 10th to April 4th, is expected to see discussions and voting on the bill.
Bill Moves Forward After Cabinet Approval
The bill aims to ensure efficient management, transparency, and administrative reforms in Wakf properties. On February 13th, when the JPC report was presented in Parliament, the opposition bly protested. The joint committee, headed by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, presented its report on February 13th amidst opposition protests. Of the 67 proposed amendments, 14 key amendments were approved in the report. 44 amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected.
What Changes Will the New Wakf Bill Bring?
* The bill's name will be changed – it will now be called the 'Integrated Wakf Management, Empowerment, Skill Development and Welfare Bill'.
* Mandatory inclusion of a member from the Muslim OBC community in the Wakf Board.
* Representation for women on the board.
* Opportunity for non-Muslims to be part of the Wakf Board.
* Mandatory uploading of details of all Wakf properties onto a central portal within six months.
* Defining the boundaries of Wakf Board properties.
* Complete digitization of property records.
* Appointment of a senior officer as Chief Information Officer (CIO) on the board.
* Strengthening of the audit system to ensure financial transparency.
* Increased role of the District Magistrate in property supervision.
* The decision of the government-appointed officer will be final in determining the nature of Wakf property.
* Mandatory verification process for claims on Wakf properties.
* Strict provisions to prevent illegal encroachment.
* Strict penalties for unauthorized use of Wakf properties.
1923 Wakf Act to be Repealed
The Cabinet also approved the Muslim Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which will repeal the British-era Wakf Act of 1923. This outdated law was deemed incompatible with current needs, and it will be replaced with a modern, transparent, and accountable system. The opposition proposed 44 amendments to the Wakf Amendment Bill, all of which were rejected. Of the 23 amendments proposed by the BJP and its allies, 14 were approved.
