It is not against any religion: Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi supports Waqf Amendment Bill

ANI April 5, 2025 182 views

The Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked significant political debate with its recent passage in both parliamentary houses. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi strongly defended the legislation, arguing it transcends religious boundaries and targets systemic inefficiencies. The bill introduces technological improvements and aims to enhance the management of waqf properties across India. By challenging opposition claims of appeasement, Manjhi positioned the amendment as a progressive step towards more transparent and effective governance.

"This bill is historic; it is not against any religion but against a flawed system" - Jitan Ram Manjhi
Gaya, April 4: Accusing the Opposition parties of playing the "politics of appeasement," Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday asserted that the Waqf Amendment Bill is not against anyone.

Key Points

1

Waqf Amendment Bill passes with significant parliamentary majority

2

Bill aims to improve management of waqf properties

3

Manjhi criticizes previous board's financial mismanagement

4

Legislation seeks technological modernization of record-keeping

Speaking to ANI, Manjhi said that the management of the Waqf Board was in the hands of such people where the money was not being used for the welfare of the poor.

"They (the opposition) are playing the politics of appeasement; this bill (Waqf Amendment) is not in favour of or against anyone. The management of the Waqf Board was in the hands of such people where the money was not being used for the welfare of the poor," he said.

"When the issue of triple talaq came up, they were opposing it. When 370 was abolished, they opposed that too... This bill that has been passed is historic; it is not against any religion but against a flawed system," the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief added.

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked political tremors, with the BJP-led government able to get it passed with a margin of 288-232 in the Lok Sabha and 128-95 in the Rajya Sabha.

In the early hours of Friday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a heated debate.

Lok Sabha, which took up discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, passed it past midnight after a marathon debate.

The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.

The Bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some accountability in Waqf management! The funds should actually reach the poor instead of lining pockets. 👏
S
Sneha P.
I appreciate the government's effort to modernize the system, but I hope this doesn't become another tool for political interference. The implementation needs to be transparent.
A
Amit D.
About time someone addressed the corruption in Waqf boards. My grandfather donated land years ago and we have no idea where that money went. This bill gives me hope!
F
Fatima Z.
As a Muslim, I welcome reforms if they genuinely help the community. But I wish the discussion wasn't so politicized. Religious matters shouldn't be election talking points.
P
Priya M.
The opposition's reaction seems knee-jerk as usual. If the system was flawed, why didn't they fix it when they were in power? 🤔
V
Vikram S.
Good to see technology being incorporated in waqf management. Digital records will prevent so many land disputes and misappropriation cases. A step in the right direction!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Waqf Amendment Bill Jitan Ram Manjhi Indian Parliament Religious Property Management Legislative Reform
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