The government tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha and amid opposition from various parties, has agreed to refer it to a joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny. The bill proposes 40 amendments in the Waqf Act, 1995 and has caused widespread confusion among Muslims. The opposition parties have alleged that the government's intentions behind the bill are not genuine and it is a measure to acquire Waqf properties. However, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has defended the bill and stated that it aims to give more rights to economically weak Muslims. This is not the first time the Waqf Act has been amended, and there have been calls for amendments since its inception in 1976.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill: A Controversial Measure
Background
A waqf is an Islamic religious endowment, where property is dedicated to a charitable or religious purpose. The Waqf Act, 1995 regulates the management and administration of waqf properties in India.
The Proposed Amendments
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 2, 2022. It proposes 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, including:
Opposition to the Bill
The bill has faced widespread opposition from various parties, including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, and the Indian Union Muslim League. They have raised concerns that:
Government's Defense
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has defended the bill, claiming that it aims to empower economically weaker Muslims. He argues that:
Previous Amendments to the Waqf Act
The Waqf Act has been amended several times in the past, including:
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the main purpose of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
2. Why is the bill facing opposition?
3. How does the government justify the bill?
4. What are the key amendments proposed by the bill?
5. What is the history of amendments to the Waqf Act?
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