by A Big Change is Here!
Imagine a law that could make mosques, schools, and charity lands work better for everyone! The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 does just that. Passed on April 2 and 3, 2025, it’s shaking things up. It fixes old rules for Waqf properties worth 1.2 trillion rupees. Curious? Let’s explore three significant changes that could change India this year. Could you stick with us to know more?
What’s the Waqf Amendment Bill?
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is a new law. It changes the 1995 Waqf Act. Waqf means lands or buildings for religious or charity work, like mosques or schools. This bill passed in Lok Sabha with 288 votes for and 232 against. In Rajya Sabha, it got 128 votes for and 95 against. It covers 940,000 acres of land. It wants to stop land misuse and make things fairer.
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Why Does It Matter?
Waqf properties are enormous. They’re the third-largest landholder in India, after the Army and Railways. The 2006 Sachar Committee says they’re worth 14.22 billion dollars. But problems like land grabbing and poor care happen a lot. Think of the Karnataka Waqf scam! The Waqf Amendment Bill tries to fix this. It’s a hot topic because it affects millions of people.
3 Big Changes in the Waqf Amendment Bill
Here are three changes that make this bill unique:
- More People on Boards
Now, Waqf boards will have new faces. They’ll include two non-Muslims and two Muslim women. This makes things more open. Before, only Muslims ran these boards. This change could bring fresh ideas, but there are some worries that it might cause trust issues.
- Better Property Checks
District collectors will now check Waqf lands. Earlier, a special officer did this. The new rule stops government lands from being called Waqf. It also uses a central website to track properties. This keeps things clear and honest.
- Easier Court Appeals
If you don’t like a Waqf decision, you can go to High Court. You get 90 days to appeal. Tribunals used to need Muslim law experts, but not anymore. This makes solving disputes faster and fairer for everyone.
These changes could make Waqf properties help more people, especially people experiencing poverty.
How Did It Happen?
The Waqf Amendment Bill started on August 8, 2024. It went to a group called the Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by Jagdambika Pal. They gave their report on February 13, 2025. The Cabinet said yes on February 19, 2025. Some people suggested 572 changes, but many were ignored. On April 2, 2025, Lok Sabha passed it. Rajya Sabha did the same on April 3 after a 12-hour talk. Now, it waits for the President’s okay to become law.
What People Are Saying?
Not everyone loves the Waqf Amendment Bill. Kiren Rijiju, a minister, says it helps poor Muslims, especially women. He calls it part of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” Amit Shah, another minister, says it doesn’t touch religious rights. But Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi disagrees. He thinks it hurts minority rights and grabs Muslim land. On X, people argue, too. User @Finance_Bareek worries about control, while @deepdownanlyz says groups like Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind see it as an attack.
Where Are Waqf Properties?
Waqf lands are all over India. Here’s a quick look:
- Uttar Pradesh: 232,547 properties (27%)
- West Bengal: 80,480 properties (9%)
- Punjab: 75,965 properties (9%)
- Tamil Nadu: 66,092 properties (8%)
- Karnataka: 62,830 properties (7%)
- Kerala: 53,282 properties (6%)
- Telangana: 45,682 properties (5%)
- Others: 255,450 properties (29%)
Total: 872,328 properties. Uttar Pradesh has the most, so changes there could be huge.
A Surprising Twist
Here’s something new: non-Muslims can join Waqf boards. Usually, only Muslims did this job. It’s meant to make things fairer, but some don’t like it. On X, @bleakhouse38 says it’s not equal. Also, the old 1923 Waqf law was canceled with this bill. That’s a significant shift no one expected!
What Experts Think?
Rijiju says the Waqf Amendment Bill helps groups like Pasmanda Muslims. It makes things clear with tech and simple rules. But DMK leader Stalin wants it gone. He thinks it’s terrible for Muslims. Both sides have strong points. The bill could improve Waqf, but some fear it gives the government too much power. It’s a tricky balance.
Why It’s a Big Deal
The Waqf Amendment Bill isn’t just about land. It’s about fairness, trust, and helping people. With 1.2 trillion rupees at stake, it could lift poor communities. But it also stirs up debates about rights and religion. States like Uttar Pradesh, which has tons of Waqf land, will feel the most significant impact. Everyone’s watching to see what happens next.
Wrapping It Up
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is a game-changer. It brings new board members, better checks, and more straightforward appeals. But it’s got people talking—some cheer, others worry. At Newssphere.in, we dig into big stories like this with facts and straightforward words. Stay with us to keep up with what’s shaping India in 2025. What do you think about this bill? Let us know!
