Government Tables Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha, Seeks Opposition’s Support
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the proposed legislation is not against Muslims or intended to harm religious sentiments.
New Delhi: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the proposed legislation is not against Muslims or intended to harm religious sentiments. Instead, it aims to improve the management of Waqf properties by ensuring transparency, addressing complexities, and introducing technology-driven governance.
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Lok Sabha Passes Bill After Lengthy Debate
The Lok Sabha cleared the Bill in the early hours of Thursday after an intense 12-hour debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 against.
Focus on Transparency and Inclusivity
Presenting the Bill in the Upper House, Rijiju clarified that it was reviewed and redrafted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and strictly deals with Waqf properties, not religious matters. He highlighted that the Bill aims to include all Muslim sects in the Waqf board, ensuring broader representation.
The minister also noted the rapid increase in Waqf properties, from 4.9 lakh in 2004 to 8.72 lakh at present.
Government Calls for Opposition’s Support
Rijiju urged the opposition to support the Bill, arguing that it seeks to complete the unfulfilled tasks of previous governments. He pointed out that Waqf owns one of the largest property holdings in India, apart from the defence and railway sectors.
Bill Renamed as ‘UMEED’
Rejecting opposition concerns, Rijiju reassured that the Waqf board’s role is to oversee properties, not manage them. To reflect the government’s intent, he announced that the Bill would be renamed Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, symbolizing hope and progress.
