Long-standing demand from ‘poor Muslim groups’ to amend Waqf Act, claims Kiren Rijiju
The Muslim Personal Law Board and Opposition leaders have criticised the Union government’s plans to restrict the powers of the Waqf Board.
Join our WhatsApp Community to receive travel deals, free stays, and special offers!
- Join Now -
Join our WhatsApp Community to receive travel deals, free stays, and special offers!
- Join Now -
There is a long-standing demand from “poor Muslim groups” to amend the 2013 Waqf Act, Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju told The Hindu on Tuesday.
“Several groups have been demanding reforms to the Act,” Rijiju said on Tuesday. “Consultation with various groups has been going on for many years.”
His statement came after several groups and Opposition parties criticised the Union government’s plans to amend the legislation and accused the Narendra Modi government of attempting to “take away the autonomy” of the Waqf Board.
A waqf is a property given for a religious, educational or charitable cause by Muslims. In India, waqfs are governed under the Waqf Act. Each state has a Waqf Board led by a legal entity, who is vested with the power to acquire, hold and transfer a property.
On Friday, media reports, quoting unidentified persons aware of the matter, said that the Union Cabinet on Friday approved 40 amendments to the Act to restrict the powers of the Waqf Board.
Rijiju said on Tuesday that a decision to introduce a bill to amend the Act in the ongoing Parliament session was “still under consideration”, reported The Hindu.
On Monday, members of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council met the minister and said they are hopeful the amendments would be comprehensive and would “serve the...
