'No Hindrance To Freedom Of Any Religious Body': Rijiju Rebuffs Oppn's Claims On Waqf Bill In Lok Sabha
Union Minority Affairs Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday tabled the Waqf (Ammendment) Bill in the Parliament on Thursday.
Union Minority Affairs Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday tabled the Waqf (Amendment Bill) in the Parliament amid opposition's attack at the Centre, claiming that the bill was an "attempt to divide the country" on religious lines. Rebuffing these allegations, Rijiju clarified that "no hindrance is being caused to the freedom if any religious body".
The Centre seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act. The reform bill aims to streamline the registration process of Waqf properties through a centralised portal. Through the bill the government wants to enhance the management of waqf properties.
Responding to opposition's allegations that the reform bill is a "fundamental attack," Rijiju said that the bill would not violate any provision of the Constitution.
"I want to tell why their notice doesn't stand and why the issues raised by them should not be admitted. I am confident that after listening to me, the concerns raised by them will be allayed and each member in the House will support the Bill. They raised the issue of competency. I want to inform the House, provisions in the Bill... from Article 25 to 30, there is no hindrance being caused to the freedom of any religious body, neither any provision of the Constitution has been violated," he said.
Assuring the House that the bill will not take away anyone's rights, the Parliamentary Affairs minister added: "According to a Supreme Court ruling, Waqf Board doesn't fall within the purview of Article 25 and Article 26 of the Constitution of India. Leave snatching away someone's rights, those who have been deprived of their rights, this Bill has been brought to give them those rights."
VIDEO | "I want to tell why their notice doesn't stand and why the issues raised by them should not be admitted. I am confident that after listening to me, the concerns raised by them will be allayed and each member in the House will support the Bill. They raised the issue of… pic.twitter.com/pmHNU2waio
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 8, 2024
Rijiju also said that the bill must be introduced to a Joint Parliamentary Committee and asked the Speaker to constitute one, where the bill would be referred.
The Speaker said that he would form a committee after consulting all the leaders, following which the bill would be forwarded.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Waqf Act, 1923, was also introduced by Rijiju in the Lok Sabha.
Opposition Opposes Waqf (Amendment) Bill
As the Union Minister moved the bill, leaders of the opposition alliance made an all-out attack at the Centre.
Congress leader KC Venugopal dubbed the bill "draconian" and claimed that it was a fundamental attack on the Constitution. He also alleged that the reform bill would lead to creation of religious divisions and hate between communities.
He even linked the bill to the upcoming polls in Maharashtra and Haryana.
"There is a dispute in each and every mosque where there is no deed. Your fundamental idea is to create conflict and create anger between the communities and make violence everywhere," he said.
Opposing the bill, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said tha the bill is a well planned political move by the Centre. "Speaker sir, I heard in the lobby that some of your rights are also going to be taken away and we will have to fight for you," he said.
NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule urged the Centre to withdraw the bill completely or send it over to a standing committee. "Please don't push agendas without consultations." she said.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed the bill and alleged that he was being stopped from praying.
"The bill violates all principles of the judiciary. The government is restricting the management of the Waqf board. Hindu boards are recognised by usage and custom. You are stopping me from praying," he said.
'Is Oppn Anti-Women?': Kausar Jahan Supports Bill, Calls It 'Important'
Delhi State Haj Committee Chairperson, Kausar Jahan supported the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying that it was an important bill which would make the board responsible and accountable.
Hitting out at the opposition for opposing the bill, she said: "The amendment is a major and important step towards making an impactful law towards transparent, accountable and equal representation. Under this amendment, a provision has been made for the participation of all sections of Muslim community. The most important demand of the 21st century, the hour of the need, is the inclusion of women. So, what is Opposition's problem? Are they anti-women?"
"Secondly, Waqf properties should not be misused. Waqf properties should be fairly identified. If there is any dispute, there should be a legal solution. So, what is the issue? I think that with this amendment, Waqf Board would be responsible and accountable. I think this will bring down the chances of corruption...This Bill is important," she added.
The reform bill also aims to establish a Central Waqf Clouncil alongside the state Waqf Boards. In a significant change, the bill proposes to have representation from Muslim women and non-Muslim in these Waqf bodies. It also includes provisions to appoint two women to all state boards and the Centrel council as well.
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