President Droupadi Murmu gives assent to Waqf Amendment Bill

ANI April 6, 2025 160 views

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the transformative Waqf Amendment Bill, marking a significant moment in Indian legislative history. The bill seeks to modernize the management of Waqf properties through improved technology and governance mechanisms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the legislation as a critical step towards socio-economic justice for marginalized communities. The amendment, which revises the original 1995 Waqf Act, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in property management.

"A watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice" - PM Narendra Modi
New Delhi, April 6: President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during the budget session of Parliament. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which has also been passed by the Parliament.

Key Points

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President approves bill to modernize Waqf property management

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Legislation aims to improve transparency and governance

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Modi highlights empowerment of marginalized communities

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Parliamentary committee recommendations incorporated

The Law Ministry notifications, issued on Saturday, said that the President has given her assent to the two bills.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on Friday with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Loka Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 was a "watershed moment" and that this would help the marginalised, who have been "denied both voice and opportunity."

"The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity," PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed, which seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowerment of stakeholders relevant to the management of waqf properties, improving the efficiency in survey, registration and case disposal process, and development of waqf properties. While the core purpose remains to manage waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance." The Mussalman Wakf Act, of 1923 was also repealed.

The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key features include improving the registration process and incorporating technology to enhance the efficiency of Waqf board operations.

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

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Amit K.
This is a significant step forward for better management of waqf properties. The tech integration should bring more transparency 👍 Hope it actually benefits the communities it's meant to serve.
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Shireen M.
While I appreciate the modernization efforts, I'm concerned about implementation. Previous waqf reforms haven't always reached the grassroots level. The government needs to ensure proper oversight.
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Rajiv P.
About time! The 1995 Act was outdated. Digital records and streamlined processes should prevent so much mismanagement. Kudos to the JPC for their recommendations.
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Fatima A.
As someone whose family has donated waqf property, I'm cautiously optimistic. The repeal of the 1923 Act was long overdue. Hope this brings real change inshallah 🤲
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Vikram S.
The bipartisan support in Rajya Sabha (128-95) shows this wasn't just political posturing. Genuine reform that could benefit millions if implemented properly. Fingers crossed!

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

Tags:
Waqf Amendment Bill Droupadi Murmu Narendra Modi Indian Legislation Waqf Properties
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