The statement you provided refers to a significant update in India regarding the laws governing Waqf properties—assets dedicated under Islamic law for religious or charitable purposes, managed by bodies called Waqf Boards. Here’s what it means:
What’s Happening?
The Union Cabinet, which is the top decision-making body of the Indian government led by the Prime Minister, has given its approval to changes (amendments) proposed in a bill called the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This bill updates the existing Waqf Act of 1995, which sets the rules for how Waqf properties are managed across the country. The approved version of this bill, shaped by recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (a group of lawmakers who reviewed it), is now ready to be presented to Parliament during the second half of the Budget session, starting around March 10, 2025.
What Are the Key Changes?
- Inclusion of Non-Muslims and Women in Waqf Boards:
- Traditionally, Waqf Boards, which oversee these properties at the state level, have been composed mostly of Muslim members. The new changes propose adding non-Muslim members and ensuring women are part of these boards. This is a big shift, aiming to diversify who gets a say in managing these properties.
- For example, the bill suggests at least two women should be on each state Waqf Board and the Central Waqf Council (a national advisory body), alongside non-Muslim representatives like MPs or government officials who don’t have to be Muslim.
- Enhancing Transparency and Governance:
- The amendments are intended to make the management of Waqf properties more open and accountable. This could involve stricter rules for registering properties, involving district collectors (local government officials) to verify claims, and using a central online portal to track all Waqf assets. The goal is to reduce disputes—like cases where Waqf Boards have claimed land without clear proof—and prevent misuse or mismanagement.
- Another change is removing some of the unchecked powers Waqf Boards had, such as declaring any property as Waqf without verification, and allowing appeals against their decisions to go to High Courts.
- Renaming the Act (Possibly to ‘UWMEEDA 1995’):
- There’s talk that the Waqf Act of 1995 might be renamed to something like the “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995” (abbreviated as UWMEEDA 1995). This new name would reflect the focus on better management, empowerment of marginalized groups, and efficiency. However, this detail is still a rumor and needs official confirmation when the bill is tabled in Parliament.
Why Does This Matter?
- For the Muslim Community: Waqf properties—estimated at over 8.7 lakh properties covering 9.4 lakh acres, worth around 1.2 lakh crores—fund mosques, schools, and charities. These changes could affect how these assets are controlled and used, with some seeing it as a step toward fairness (like including women), while others worry it might dilute community autonomy.
- For Governance: It’s part of a broader push to modernize and regulate religious endowments, addressing long-standing issues like encroachments or poor revenue (only about Rs 200 crore annually despite the vast holdings).
- Politically: It’s a hot topic. Supporters say it promotes inclusivity and accountability; critics argue it’s government overreach into religious affairs, especially since Waqf has historically been a Muslim-led institution.
What’s Next?
When the bill is presented in Parliament in March 2025, lawmakers will debate it. If passed, it’ll become law, and we’ll get the full picture—including whether “UWMEEDA 1995” sticks as the new name. Until then, the anticipation is about how these changes will play out in practice and whether they’ll spark agreement or controversy.
In short, this is about reshaping how Waqf properties are run—bringing in new voices, tightening oversight, and possibly giving the law a fresh title. It’s a mix of reform and contention, depending on who you ask!
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