Introduction of Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Constitutional Debate
Former Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi praises the Waqf (Amendment) Bill for addressing longstanding issues, promoting constitutional hierarchy, and curbing communal confusion. The Bill, introduced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, aims for transparency and inclusivity in the waqf system, proposing broad-based representation and streamlined registration processes.
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- Country:
- India
Former minister for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday hailed the introduction of The Waqf (Amendment) Bill and said it will pave the way for 'constitutional hierarchy' over 'unconstitutional anarchy'.
The BJP leader described the Bill as a positive and constructive step towards a logical solution to a long-pending problem, emphasizing the necessity for religious and temporal alignment.
Criticizing the opposition, Naqvi urged those creating 'communal confusion' to refrain from spreading fear and imposing a 'Talibani lock on an inclusive reform'. He argued that the waqf system should move beyond its 'touch me not' syndrome, which, supported by a 'communal caucus', has made the system hostage to narrow-minded self-interests.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, proposing it be sent to a joint parliamentary committee after opposition objections.
The Bill seeks to rename the Act to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995, and proposes changes including the omission of Section 40 regarding waqf property determination, broad-based composition of councils, and new boards for Boharas and Aghakhanis. It also aims to streamline waqf registrations through a central database and detailed mutation procedures.
(With inputs from agencies.)