Cabinet Approves Proposed Changes To Waqf Bill: Sources
A Step Towards Empowerment?
The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the controversial Waqf Bill, sources revealed, after a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) tabled its final report in the House on February 13. The proposed changes to the bill have triggered a heated debate, with various stakeholders weighing in on their implications. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the changes and their potential impact.
What Are the Proposed Changes?
The JPC had reviewed the Waqf Bill, which seeks to regulate the management of Muslim charitable properties in the country. The 14 alterations made by the committee aim to introduce several significant changes to the original draft. Some of the key alterations include:
- Nominating non-Muslim and at least two women members to every Waqf Board
- Including a Union Minister, three MPs, and four people of ‘national repute’ in the central Waqf Council
- Limiting donations from Muslims who must have been practicing for at least five years
- Directing an officer nominated by the concerned state to determine if a property is ‘waqf’
- Restricting the Waqf Council from claiming land
Why the Controversy?
The proposed changes have sparked widespread controversy, with opposition parties, including the Congress and the DMK, vocally opposing the bill. They argue that the amendments would violative the right to practice a religion of one’s choice (Article 15) and the right to minority communities to establish and administer their educational institutions (Article 30). The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) have also expressed concerns over the bill.
The Rationale Behind the Changes
Sources close to the government say that the aim is to empower Muslim women and children, who have historically been disadvantaged under the current system. The changes seek to ensure greater representation on Waqf Boards and the central Waqf Council, which will enable more voices to be heard in the management of these properties. The proposal to limit donations from Muslims who have not been practicing for at least five years is intended to prevent abuse of the system and ensure that only those who are genuinely committed to the cause can contribute.
What’s Next?
The amended Waqf Bill will now be sent to Parliament for passage. While the opposition is likely to continue to oppose the bill, the government appears determined to push it through. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain – the future of Islamic charitable properties in India hangs in the balance.
What Do You Think? Do the Proposed Changes Go Far Enough in Empowering Muslim Women and Children? Share Your Thoughts in the Comments Below!
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Sources:
- [1] "Cabinet approves proposed changes to Waqf Bill: Sources" (NDTV)
- [2] "Waqf Bill: What’s Behind the Controversy?" (The Hindu)
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