Chicago April 8, 2025
Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favor and 95 opposing it. This comes after the bill was approved in the Lok Sabha with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the existing 1995 Waqf law. Key provisions include:
- Strengthening Waqf Tribunals: Establishing a more structured selection process and fixing tenure for better dispute resolution.
- Reducing Mandatory Contributions: Decreasing the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%.
- Audits for Institutions: Institutions earning over ₹1 lakh annually will be subject to audits by state-appointed auditors.
Reactions from Leaders
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Called the passing of the bill a “watershed moment” in the collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.
- Mallikarjun Kharge: Attacked the central government, saying they have taken a “negative stand” and are pushing the bill forward despite opposition concerns.
- BJP: Dubbed the passing of the bill as “historic” and pointed out that no one from the Gandhi family spoke during the debate, making their stance unclear.
Controversy and Debate
The bill has sparked intense debate, with opposition leaders arguing it is unconstitutional and detrimental to Indian Muslims. They claim it could disrupt social harmony and allow the government to seize Muslim-owned land and transfer it to corporate entities.
