Rijiju Addresses Concerns Over Waqf Bill Amidst Support from Muslim Communities

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju urges an end to misinformation about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, highlighting support from Muslim organizations. The bill aims to reform Waqf property management through digitization, stricter audits, and transparency, with discussions set across five states from September 26.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has called for an end to misinformation regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, asserting that many Muslim organizations support the initiative. Speaking on September 23, Rijiju refuted claims that the government intends to seize Muslim lands through the legislation, emphasizing the bill’s focus on reforming the management of Waqf properties for community benefit.

The joint parliamentary committee (JPC) responsible for reviewing the bill plans to engage with stakeholders across five states from September 26 to October 1. This outreach aims to gather insights and recommendations, which have reportedly reached record numbers since the bill's introduction. Rijiju highlighted that the discussions will address key aspects, including the digitization of records, improved legal recourse against encroachments, and a decentralization of Waqf management.

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The Waqf Act, originally enacted in 1995, governs over 600,000 registered Waqf properties in India. However, it has been marred by issues of mismanagement and corruption. The proposed amendments seek to enhance transparency and implement stricter auditing processes, alongside measures to recover unlawfully occupied lands.

As the JPC prepares to present its findings to the Lok Sabha at the start of the upcoming parliamentary session, Rijiju urged the community to support the bill, underscoring its potential to benefit all stakeholders involved.