ANI
03 Apr 2025

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 3 (ANI): A day after the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, Jammu and Kashmir JD(U) president GM Shaheen highlighted that transparency is good for the Muslims of the country and alleged that many properties of Waqf and Dargah's (shrine) were converted into five-star hotels especially in Jharkhand.

He also alleged that people 'built homes with the money' of the Waqf.

'Transparency is good for the Muslims of the country, especially for those people who were deprived of it...There were many properties of Waqf and Dargah's that were converted into five-star hotels especially in Jharkhand...At least, the money should remain in coffers and not get looted,' Shaheen told ANI.

'People who built homes with this money. An end should be put to it. We people were deeming it essential to bring transparency,' he said.

The bill introduces reforms such as strengthening Waqf tribunals, setting fixed tenures for board members, and reducing mandatory contributions from Waqf institutions to boards from 7 per cent to 5 per cent. It also mandates audits for institutions earning over Rs one lakh and establishes a centralized portal for property management.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a marathon and heated debate, during which members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it, saying it would bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards.

The Lower House of Parliament sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division's result. 'Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal,' he said.

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.

It 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.

Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju today moved a motion for consideration of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 and the Musalmaan Wakf (Repeal) Bill in the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)