Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has introduced the amended Waqf Bill in Parliament today. Congress and SP MPs have protested on this. Let’s know the special things related to this bill. Why does the government want to amend the Waqf Bill? The Bill will repeal the Muslim Waqf Act, 1923. The second bill will make important amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995.
New name for Waqf Act:
Till now the name was Waqf Act, 1995. After the amendment it has been given a new name. It is now named the Integrated Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
Section 40 of the Waqf Act 1995 was deleted:
In the amended bill, a person who has been practicing Islam for at least five years will be able to donate his movable and immovable property to waqf. Waqf-All-Aulad cannot deny inheritance rights to women. Section 40 of Waqf Act 1995 is being removed. Under this Act the Waqf Board had the right to declare any property as Waqf property. But now property rights are at stake. Section 40 of the Wakf Act is the most controversial. Section 40 provides that, if the Waqf Board deems any property to be a Waqf property, it shall take a decision after giving notice and conducting an inquiry. Whether it is Shia waqf or Sunni can also decide. There is only right to go to tribunal against decision of Waqf Board. In the amended Bill, the Collector or the Deputy Clerk will be the Survey Commissioner.
