Union Cabinet Approves Landmark Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Key Reforms Unveiled

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, paving the way for its introduction in Parliament during the second half of the Budget session starting March 10, media reports stated. The decision follows the submission of the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (JPC) report on February 13, with 14 recommendations reportedly accepted by the government.

Key Amendments Proposed in the Bill

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, seeks to overhaul the governance of Waqf properties—religious endowments by Muslims—bringing sweeping reforms. Some of the notable proposals include:

Inclusion of Non-Muslims and Women: The bill mandates the nomination of non-Muslims and at least two women to the Waqf Boards, a provision that has triggered widespread opposition.
Authority Over Waqf Properties: A state-appointed officer above the rank of Collector will have the authority to determine whether a property qualifies as 'Waqf'.
Muslim OBC Representation: The revised structure will ensure at least one representative from the Muslim Other Backward Classes (OBC) community on State Waqf Boards.
Separate Waqf Boards for Aghakhani and Bohra Communities: The state government will have the discretion to establish separate Waqf Boards for these sects.
Women’s Inheritance Rights: The bill ensures legal safeguards for women's inheritance rights in Waqf Alal Aulad (family waqf).
Digitisation of Waqf Records: An online registration system will be introduced to maintain automated records of Waqf properties, aiming for greater transparency and accessibility.

Opposition and Controversy

The proposed inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards has sparked strong opposition from Muslim organizations and political parties, who argue that it undermines community autonomy over religious endowments. Critics fear that these amendments could lead to increased government interference in Waqf affairs and potential misuse of properties for political gains.

"The move is a direct attack on religious autonomy and an attempt to dilute the Muslim community's rights over its own properties," a representative from a leading Muslim organization stated.

The Waqf Act of 1995, which currently regulates Waqf properties, has long faced criticism over mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The amendments, according to the government, aim to address these issues by enforcing stricter audits, digitization, and legal measures to reclaim encroached properties.