Parliament clears Waqf Amendment Bill 2025
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has been cleared by both houses of the Indian Parliament following intense debates. Here are the key points regarding the bill and its passage:
Key Features of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025
Strengthening Waqf Tribunals: The bill aims to strengthen Waqf tribunals by establishing a structured selection process and fixing tenures to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
Reduced Contributions: It reduces the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%.
Audits: Institutions earning over ₹1 lakh will undergo audits by state-appointed auditors.
Centralized Portal: A centralized portal will be established to automate Waqf property management, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
Property Dedication: Practicing Muslims with at least five years of religious observance can dedicate their property to Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
Women’s Rights: The bill ensures women receive their inheritance before Waqf declarations, with special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
Investigations: Officers above the rank of collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
Inclusivity: Non-Muslim members will be included in central and state Waqf boards for greater inclusivity.
Passage in Parliament
Lok Sabha: The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
Rajya Sabha: It was passed in the Rajya Sabha early on Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against.
Nxet Steps
Presidential Assent: The bill will now be presented to the President of India for assent. If approved, it will become an Act of Parliament.
Potential Reconsideration: If the President returns the bill for reconsideration, it will be sent back to Parliament. However, upon resubmission, the President’s assent becomes mandatory to enact the bill into law.
The bill has been controversial, with the government viewing it as a reform and the opposition criticizing it as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional”.
