The government will bring two bills related to Waqf in the Parliament, a separate board will be formed for Bohra-Agakhani

The central government is preparing to make major amendments in the Waqf Board Act. The government is going to bring two bills related to Waqf in the Parliament. A copy of the government bill has been released regarding these reforms. Know what will be special in the bills that the government is going to bring now?

Through the first bill, the Muslim Waqf Act 1923 will be abolished, while through the second bill, important amendments will be made in the Waqf Act 1995.

The central government is going to make 44 amendments through the Waqf Board Act Amendment Bill 2024. The government has said that the purpose of bringing this bill is better management and operation of Waqf properties. In this, section 40 of the Waqf Act 1995 is being removed, under which the Waqf Board had the right to declare any property as Waqf property.

At the same time, the name of Wakf Act 1995 will be changed to Integrated Wakf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. Muslims and non-Muslims will have proper representation in the Central Wakf Council and State Wakf Board. Other backward classes; Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Aagakhani will be represented among the Muslim communities.

Along with this, women will be given proper representation. It will be mandatory to have two women in the Central Council and State Waqf Board. The method of registration of Waqf will have to be streamlined through a central portal and database. Along with this, the tribunal structure will have to be improved with two members. At the same time, a time limit of ninety days has been set for appeal in the High Court against the orders of the tribunal. The Collector or the Deputy Collector nominated by the Collector will have the authority of Survey Commissioner for the survey of Waqf properties.

Separate board for Bohras and Aagakhanis

Provision has been made for setting up separate boards for Bohras and Aagakhanis. Before registering any property as Waqf, proper notice will be given to all concerned.

The Waqf Council will have a Union Minister, three MPs, three representatives of Muslim organisations, three experts on Muslim law, two former judges of the Supreme Court or High Court, a famous lawyer, four people of national repute, additional or joint secretary of the Government of India, etc. It will be mandatory to have two women among them.