Kiren Rijiju Defends Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha

The discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 began today in the Lok Sabha, with Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju introducing the bill. In his speech, Rijiju addressed the opposition's objections to the bill and outlined the reasons why he believes the proposed amendments are crucial for the better management of Waqf properties.

Rijiju began by highlighting a key incident from 2014, asserting that the transfer of 123 major properties to the Delhi Waqf Board on March 5 of that year was politically motivated. "In 2013, there were only a few days left for the elections," Rijiju remarked. "On the eve of the election, these properties were transferred, presumably to garner votes. However, the political strategy failed, and they lost the elections."

The Minister also emphasized the need for stricter regulations surrounding who can make a Waqf, reinforcing the argument that only individuals who have adhered to the Islamic faith for at least five years should be eligible to claim such a status. "This is a point we had raised earlier," Rijiju added.

Further, Rijiju clarified provisions of the bill regarding the composition of the Waqf Board. According to the proposed amendments, the Board will include four non-Muslim members, with at least two of them being women. This measure, Rijiju argued, will ensure a more balanced and inclusive approach to the administration of Waqf properties. The bill is expected to continue to spark debate in the coming days, with political parties offering differing views on its implications.