The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is set to be considered and passed in the Lok Sabha tomorrow on 2nd April 2025. Speaking to the media at Parliament House today, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who also oversees the Minority Affairs Ministry, announced that eight hours have been allocated for discussions on the Bill. He noted that during the Business Advisory Committee meeting, it was agreed that the discussion time could be extended based on the House's consensus. Rijiju emphasized that the government is prepared to address all queries regarding the Bill. He also accused opposition parties of opposing the legislation due to their appeasement politics.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces several key changes to the governance and administration of waqf properties in India. These amendments focus on improving transparency, streamlining management, and ensuring inclusivity. Below are the major provisions of the bill:

1. Criteria for Declaring Waqf

Under the amended law, only individuals who have followed Islam for at least five years will be allowed to establish a waqf. This ensures that those making such religious endowments have a deep-rooted connection with the faith.

2. Removal of 'Waqf by User'

The bill eliminates the concept of 'waqf by user,' which previously allowed land or property to be categorized as waqf simply based on prolonged religious use, even without an official declaration.

3. Survey and Management Adjustments

The responsibility for conducting waqf property surveys has been shifted from the Survey Commissioner to the District Collector or an officer holding the rank of Deputy Collector or higher. This move is intended to streamline the process and bring more accountability.

4. Restructuring of Waqf Boards and Councils

To promote inclusivity, the bill mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards. The Central Waqf Council must include at least two non-Muslim members, while state governments now have the authority to nominate non-Muslims to their respective Waqf Boards. Additionally, the boards must include representatives from Sunni, Shia, and backward-class Muslim communities, along with at least two Muslim women members.

5. Waqf Status of Government Properties

Any land or property owned by the government that was previously classified as waqf will no longer hold waqf status. The District Collector will be responsible for determining ownership in cases of dispute and updating official land records accordingly.

6. New Appeals Mechanism

The amendment introduces a provision allowing appeals against decisions made by Waqf Tribunals to be taken to the High Court within a 90-day timeframe, thus offering better legal recourse.

7. Digitalization and Technology Integration

The bill emphasizes the use of technology to enhance the administration of waqf properties. It calls for the creation of a centralized online portal and database to maintain waqf-related records, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

These amendments aim to modernize the waqf management system, making it more transparent, fair, and structured while addressing long-standing concerns regarding waqf property disputes and governance.