Modi Government pushes ahead with Waqf Act Amendments despite Opposition

In a bold move, the Modi government is determined to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, despite stiff resistance from prominent opposition figures, including Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that the government will not back down, emphasising that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to overhaul the Waqf Board to improve efficiency and ensure better management of Waqf properties.

The amendments are set to address long-standing issues related to the management, preservation, and potential misuse of Waqf properties. The bill focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the Waqf Board’s operations, ensuring that these properties are administered in a transparent and accountable manner. Key highlights include provisions to prevent encroachment and ensure the proper utilisation of Waqf properties.

A major aspect of the proposed legislation is the streamlining of administrative processes to facilitate better oversight and governance. Shah’s assertion that the government intends to push through these changes comes amid opposition from the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is headed by Sharad Pawar. Both parties are part of the opposition INDIA alliance and have voiced their concerns over the amendments.

Opposition parties, however, are raising concerns about the potential impact of these amendments on Muslim communities and the management of Waqf properties. Critics argue that the changes could lead to an erosion of Muslim autonomy over religious properties.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2024, is currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee has heard views from various stakeholders, including Islamic scholars and Muslim social workers, some of whom have expressed support for the amendments, recognizing the need for greater accountability.

As the bill continues its journey through Parliament, the government faces both political challenges and support from various quarters. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government will succeed in pushing through the reforms or if opposition forces will prevail.