Amid the hue and cry over 'curtailing' of powers of the Waqf Board, particularly by Muslim outfits, the BJP-led NDA government is all set to introduce more than 40 amendments to the Act, by bringing two Bills in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The Bills are aimed at kick-starting reforms in the Waqf Board as it makes it compulsory for the body to have two women members on its panel.
Registration of Waqf property through a central portal and protection of rights of the Bohra community are other salient features of the proposed amendments.
The Amendment Bill also proposes to strip the Board of its power to declare any property as a ‘Waqf property’.
For this, Section 40 of the existing Waqf Board Act will be repealed.
As per the details of the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Waqf Act 1923 will be revoked and the structure of Waqf Act of 1995 will be altered, by introducing 44 amendments, for its better functioning and operation.
The proposed amendments also aim to enhance ‘inclusivity’ in the Waqf Board by ensuring women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards.
Proposed key changes in the new legislation are renaming of the Waqf Act 1995 as Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995; changes to ensure adequate representation of all Muslim communities including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Aghakhani and other backward classes; a separate Board of Auqaf has been proposed for Bohras and Aghakhanis Central Waqf Council and the state Waqf Boards will have representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims.
The proposed changes have also found support from various dargah chiefs.
On Tuesday evening, a couple of them met Kiren Rijiju, the Minister for Minority Affairs and announced support to the legislation.
Taking to X, the Union minister said, “A delegation of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) comprising of the most revered & prominent Sajjadanashins from various Dargahs across India met me under the leadership of Shri Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman & Successor of the Present Spiritual Head of Ajmer Dargah to discuss a range of important issues concerning the Muslim community.
“They lauded & praised the efforts of PM Modi towards the welfare of the entire community and minorities in general.”
According to reports, Waqf Boards have a land bank of nearly 8.7 lakh properties, with total area spreading to about 9.4 lakh acres.
Tripura Govt contemplating to boost tourism: Minister Sushanta Chowdhury
The state transport and tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Thursday said that the government is contemplating to make tourism as an alternate means of livelihood in the state. Adequate fund has been allocated for further developing the tourism sector, he added.
Imports from B’desh to Tripura increase, exports largely decline: Minister
Imports from Bangladesh into Tripura increased but exports from the northeastern state of India to the neighbouring country substantially declined, state Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma told the Assembly on Thursday.
67 percent households in AMC areas connected with drinking water supply: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday claimed that at least 67% households were connected with drinking water supply in the areas of Agartala Municipal Corporation.
Boy drowns in Muhuri River during Baruni bathing ritual
In a tragic incident, Sayan Pal (18), a 12th-standard student from Arya Colony, Belonia, drowned in the Muhuri River while participating in the holy Baruni bathing ritual on Wednesday afternoon.
Innovative projects launched to supply drinking water from Dumbur: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that several innovative projects have been set up based on the reserved water of the Dumbur water reservoir, making it possible to provide drinking water connections to many families through pipelines.
Govt undertaken measures to increase Howrah river’s navigability: Tripura CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the state government has undertaken a series of measures to permanently address flooding in Agartala city by increasing the navigability of the Howrah River.
Tripura Assembly witnesses spat over minister's 'racist' remark against LoP
The Tripura Assembly witnessed a noisy scene for the fourth day on Thursday over Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath's alleged racist remarks against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury.
Centre Releases Rs 240.5 Crore to Tripura for Urban Planning Reforms
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today announced that the Ministry of Finance has released Rs 240.5 crores to Tripura for achieving urban planning reforms.