The Waqf Bill | 19 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, at the ‘Budget Pe Charcha’ event in Srinagar, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs stated that the proposed amendments in the Waqf Bill aimed to benefit poor Muslims rather than seize Waqf property. 

 Key Points 

  • Support for the Waqf Bill: 
    • He mentioned that several Muslim MPs have also backed the Bill, with many expressing private approval. 
    • Despite opposition from certain political parties, he highlighted that his ministry had received feedback from the Muslim community, including women. 
    • The amendments aim to enhance transparency in Waqf property management, ultimately serving the best interests of the community. 
  • Visit to Dargah Hazratbal Shrine: 
    • The Minister visited the Dargah Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar and reviewed ongoing development works. 
    • The Minister praised the J&K Waqf Board’s development initiatives, calling them a model for religious site management across India. 
  • Discussion on Union Budget 2025: 
    • He also chaired a discussion on the Union Budget 2025, engaging with local business leaders, industry representatives, and community members. 
    • The discussion saw participation from stakeholders across various sectors, including the Hotel Association, Houseboat Owners Association, Industries & Commerce Association, Tour & Travel Association, Saffron Growers Association, Shawl Weavers Association, Fruit Growers Association, and Farmers Association. 
    • The issues discussed included the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, the revival of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), rehabilitation of houseboat owners, and conservation of Kashmir’s wetlands. 
  • Commitment to J&K’s Economy: 

 Waqf Act, 1995 

  • Background:  
    • The Waqf act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. 
    • It was later repealed, and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995, which gave more powers to Waqf Boards. 
    • In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as 'Waqf Property.' 
  • Waqf:  
    • It is the permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognised by Muslim law. 
    • It implies the endowment of property, whether movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, to God by a Muslim, under the premise that the transfer will benefit the needy. 
    • The proceeds from a Waqf typically fund educational institutions, graveyards, mosques and shelter homes. 
    • Waqfs in India are regulated by the Waqf act, 1995. 
  • Waqf Board: 
    • A Waqf board is a legal entity capable of acquiring, holding and transferring property. It can sue and be sued in court. 
    • It administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, with at least two-thirds of the board members voting in favour of the transaction. 
    • The Central Waqf Council (CWC), established in 1964, oversees and advises state level Waqf Boards across India. 
  • Waqf Properties:  
    • The Waqf board is said to be the third-largest landholder in India after the Railways and the Defence department. 
      • Currently, there are 8,72,292 registered Waqf properties spread across 8 lakh acres. These properties generate Rs 200 crore in revenue. 
      • Once a property is designated as a Waqf, it becomes non-transferable and is detained perpetually as a charitable act toward God, essentially transferring ownership to God.