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Dear Students, New Batches for IAS and MPPSC starting from 2nd August 2025
Dear Students, New Batches for IAS and MPPSC starting from 2nd August 2025
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Context:
The Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 adopted its report by a majority vote, clearing the way for the government to move the Bill during the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
What is a Waqf Board?
Established in: The concept of Waqf Boards was formalized under the Waqf Act, 1954, and further strengthened by the Waqf Act, 1995. (It is statutory body)
Governed by: The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, oversees the functioning of Waqf Boards.
Functions and Powers:
Administration: Manages and supervises Waqf properties.
Recovery: Recovers lost or encroached Waqf properties.
Transfer: Sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease.
Appointment: Appoints custodians to ensure Waqf revenues are used for designated purposes.
Legal Authority: Can sue and be sued in court.
Board and Members:
Chairperson: Appointed by the state government.
Members: Include Muslim legislators, parliamentarians, members of the state Bar Council, Islamic scholars, and mutawalis (managers) of Waqfs with an annual income of ₹1 lakh and above.
Central Waqf Council (CWC): Established in 1964 to oversee and advise state-level Waqf Boards.
Proposed Amendments in the 2024 Bill:
Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members:
Mandates at least two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.
Allows non-Muslim members to form a majority in these bodies.
District Collector’s Role: Grants District Collectors the authority to determine ownership of disputed properties and update revenue records.
3 Composition of Tribunals: Removes the requirement for an expert in Muslim law from Waqf Tribunals.
4 Appeals Process: Allows direct appeals to High Courts against Tribunal decisions, removing the finality of Tribunal rulings.
Need for Amendment in 2024:
Transparency and Efficiency: Aims to improve transparency and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties.
Inclusivity: Seeks to promote inclusivity by involving non-Muslim members in Waqf governance.
Dispute Resolution: Enhances dispute resolution mechanisms by granting District Collectors authority over property disputes.
Legal Clarity: Provides clarity on the creation and management of Waqf properties.
Modernization: Aligns Waqf governance with contemporary legal and administrative practices.
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