THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, August 8: The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has been presented in the Lok Sabha. Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill in the House.
What does the bill propose?
The new legislation, to be known as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, intends to streamline the registration process for waqf properties using a centralized portal.
Other major changes proposed include the creation of a Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards that will feature representation from Muslim women and non-Muslims.
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If enacted, the proposed bill will designate the District Collector as the authority responsible for determining whether a property is classified as Waqf property or government land.
Congress raises objections
The Congress has raised objections to the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. K.C. Venugopal criticized the bill, stating that it represents a fundamental attack on the Constitution.
He argued that the bill proposes allowing non-Muslims to be members of the Waqf Governing Council, which he sees as a direct assault on religious freedom.
Venugopal warned that if this bill passes, it could lead to similar measures against Christians and Jains, asserting that the people of India will not tolerate such divisive politics.
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