Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 After Intense Debate
Date: 03-apr-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team
On April 3, 2025, the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after a marathon 12-hour debate. The legislation received 288 votes in favor and 232 against, sparking significant political and public discourse.
What the Bill Proposes
The bill aims to bring structural changes to the management of Waqf properties in India. Key provisions include:
- Inclusion of Non-Muslims on Waqf Boards: The bill allows non-Muslim members to serve on Waqf Boards for better diversity and transparency.
- Government Verification of Land Claims: Waqf Boards must now obtain formal government approval for land ownership claims to reduce corruption and disputes.
Government's Justification
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the bill focuses solely on the "administrative functioning" of Waqf Boards and does not affect any religious practices or beliefs. He stressed that the amendment will help ensure better governance and curb misuse of waqf land and funds.
Opposition's Concerns
The bill was met with sharp criticism from opposition parties and Muslim organizations. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the bill "an assault on constitutional rights" of minorities. Critics worry that increased government control could lead to confiscation of religious lands that lack official paperwork, affecting thousands of historic mosques and shrines.
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Next Steps
The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) for further consideration. If passed there, it will be sent for Presidential assent before becoming law.
Why This Matters
India's Waqf Boards oversee hundreds of thousands of properties worth billions. These assets fund schools, mosques, and social welfare. The new bill marks a shift toward greater state oversight and a more secular approach to management, but critics say it risks undermining community autonomy.
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