Despite fierce resistance from several political parties, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The minister addressed worries and debunked rumors, stating that the bill's goal is to empower Muslim women and children rather than deny them rights.

Rijiju further dispelled rumors that the Waqf Bill would result in the seizure of Waqf properties by promising that no land would be taken away.

 According to him, the law, which will now be known as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) bill, contains four sections.

 The bill's four main clauses that have generated criticism are:

 1. Non-Muslim Members' Inclusion in the Waqf Council

 According to the bill, the Waqf Council must have at least two women and a maximum of four non-Muslim members.

 2. Waqf Board Supervisory Function

 The Waqf Board's responsibility is restricted to overseeing Waqf properties under the management of Mutawallis, or custodians.

Rijiju underlined that the Waqf Board does not actively oversee Waqf properties.

 3. Diverse Waqf Board Representation

 Shia, Sunni, Bohra, women, non-Muslim experts, and backward Muslim communities are all guaranteed representation on the Waqf Board by the statute.

 "For instance, even though I am not a Muslim, I automatically become the Chairman of the Central Waqf Council as a Minority Affairs Minister," Rijiju clarified.  Nevertheless, there will be no more than four non-Muslim members on the Council, including two women.

 4. Explanation of the Management of Religious Sites

 The Waqf Board's rules do not affect the administration of any mosque, temple, or other place of worship.

Waqf properties continue to be governed by the Waqf Board and Mutawallis, and the measure only addresses property administration.

 "The administration of any mosque, temple, or other place of worship is unrelated to the Waqf Board's rules.  It just comes down to property management.  But the Waqf Board and the Mutawalli are in charge of managing Waqf properties," he stated.

To enhance the administration and management of Waqf properties in India, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, aims to modernize the Waqf Act of 1995.  It seeks to improve efficiency, expedite registration, fix flaws in the current legislation, and integrate technology for improved record-keeping.