"Poor and common Muslim women demand transparency in Waqf property management," says Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi [India], August 5 : Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs on Monday stated that there have been persistent demands and appeals from poor and ordinary Muslim women to ensure Waqf property is managed more transparently, efficiently, and beneficially for the Muslim community.
"For a long time, there have been continuous demands and representation from poor and common Muslim women to make Waqf property more transparent and more efficient and beneficial for the Muslim community," said Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, while speaking to ANI.
Top government sources revealed that the bill is likely to be presented after the passage of the Finance Bill, likely this week. Before drafting the amendments, the government consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organizations to ensure comprehensive reforms.
One of the key proposed amendments is the mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector's office, allowing for proper evaluation and monitoring. Additionally, the amendments aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women's representation on both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards.
The Waqf Act, first enacted in 1954, was repealed and replaced with a new act in 1995, granting more powers to the Waqf Boards. Further amendments in 2013 expanded these powers, enabling the boards to designate properties as 'Waqf Property.'
Government sources emphasized the importance of involving more women, including Muslim scholars and elected representatives, in the Waqf boards to ensure a broader and more inclusive representation.
The introduction of this bill is seen as a significant step towards reforming Waqf property management and addressing the concerns of the Muslim community, particularly women.