Understanding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Name | Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 |
| Date of Introduction | August 8, 2024 |
| Introduced by | Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju |
| Existing Act | Waqf Act, 1995 (last amended in 2013) |
| Key Amendments | - Inclusion of 2 Muslim women and 2 non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards.- Stricter rules for property declaration.- Mandatory registration with District Collector. |
| Aim of the Bill | - Restrict Waqf Boards' powers.- Ensure women's representation.- Prevent wrongful declaration of Waqf properties. |
| District Collector's Role | - Mandatory registration of Waqf properties.- Arbiter to decide disputed property status.- Submit report to state government. |
| Dispute Resolution | Appeals can be made in respective High Courts. |
| Waqf Property Criteria | Valid Waqfnama required; absent documents make property suspect/disputed. |
| Central Government Powers | - Direct audit of Waqf properties.- Audit by CAG or designated officer. |
| Waqf Boards | - Manage 8.7 lakh properties (9.4 lakh acres) valued at ₹1.2 lakh crore.- Third largest landowner in India. |
| Central Waqf Council | Established in 1964; advises central/state governments and Waqf Boards. |