NEW DELHI: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, which proposes significant changes to the regulation of Waqf properties. Rijiju faced considerable opposition but defended the bill vigorously, emphasising its necessity and addressing the criticisms head-on.
Rijiju emphasized that the bill is designed to address long-standing issues within Waqf boards. He stated, “The Waqf board was captured by the mafia. We are bringing this amendment to rectify the system and address the issues that have plagued Waqf properties.”
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He highlighted instances of misuse to illustrate the bill’s necessity: “In Tiruchirapalli, a 1,500-year-old temple was declared Waqf property. Can you imagine a village being labeled Waqf property? And in Surat, the municipal corporation’s headquarters was declared Waqf property. How can this happen?”
Rijiju refuted claims that the bill infringes on religious freedoms: “This bill does not interfere with the freedom of any religious organization. Forget about taking anyone’s rights, this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them.” He also emphasized, “We are not targeting any community. The bill is meant to ensure fair representation and address grievances that have existed for years.”
Addressing the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards, Rijiju argued: “If one community is dominating and crushing smaller communities, how can this Parliament allow it? The bill provides for representation of various communities to ensure fairness.”
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He further clarified the bill’s objectives in response to opposition concerns: “The provisions in the proposed law are based on multiple inquiry reports over the years and wide-ranging consultations with lakhs of stakeholders. The aim is to bring transparency and accountability to the Waqf system.”
On the topic of consultations, Rijiju stated: “This bill being brought today is based on the report of Sachar committee, which you made (Congress). The process involved consultations with numerous stakeholders across the country.”
Rijiju confirmed that the bill will be sent to a joint parliamentary committee for further scrutiny, indicating the government’s willingness to engage in detailed review and discussion: “We are open to further scrutiny. The bill will be examined by the joint parliamentary committee to address any concerns.”