Waqf (Amendment) Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha, amid strong sloganeering from the Opposition.

An eight-hour discussion on the bill has been scheduled, with the possibility of an extension.

Opposition Alleges Lack of Time for Amendments

The Opposition accused the Centre of "bulldozing the legislation", claiming that they were not given sufficient time to propose amendments since the Bill was brought before the House.

Rijiju Calls It a ‘Historic Day’

Earlier in the day, Rijiju hailed Wednesday as a historic moment, emphasizing that the Bill is in the national interest and would benefit the entire country, particularly Muslims, women, and children.

"Today is a historic day as the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 will be presented in the Lok Sabha. I want to make it very clear that this Bill, introduced in the national interest, will be supported not only by millions of Muslims but by the entire country. Those opposing the Bill are doing so for political reasons," Rijiju stated before the parliamentary proceedings.

Key Objectives of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to modify the Waqf Act of 1995 to address existing challenges and enhance the management of Waqf properties across India.

The Bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board’s functions, ensuring better administration of Waqf assets.

It builds on the 2024 Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, introduced earlier with similar objectives.

Government Confident of Legislative Approval

The Union government first announced the Bill’s introduction on Tuesday, stating it would be tabled shortly after the Question Hour. A detailed debate is expected to follow, lasting up to eight hours.

The government remains optimistic that the amendments will receive broad support across the political spectrum.

(With IANS inputs)