Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025: BJP's A Reformative Step Against Social Injustice

17 Apr 2025 10:47:41
Recently, protests have emerged across opposition-ruled regions such as Murshidabad and Diamond Harbour in West Bengal, parts of Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. These demonstrations, though framed as community-driven, appear to be politically motivated, primarily fueled by the INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties including the Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI(M), RJD, JMM, and AAP.

waqf act 2025

However, the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has categorically stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is a landmark move to bring transparency, accountability, and equity to religious endowments. Far from being a targeted action against any community, the amendment introduces much-needed reforms in the management of Waqf properties, ensuring they are used effectively for the welfare of all, especially the poor and marginalised.

What is Waqf?

Waqf refers to movable or immovable property voluntarily donated by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Over the decades, Waqf Boards operated with limited oversight, leading to widespread irregularities, encroachments, and underutilization of assets that were originally intended to serve the community.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 brings these institutions under a transparent and modern framework of governance.

Empowering Muslim Women: A Core Focus

One of the most progressive aspects of the amendment is its emphasis on improving the socio-economic conditions of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorced women. The Act encourages the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) and supports financial independence initiatives. It also mandates the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, ensuring that Waqf resources are directed toward inclusive development.

Key initiatives under the reform include:


Ensuring Transparency through Digitization
 
A cornerstone of the reform is the digitization of Waqf records through a centralized portal. This step ensures:


Welfare-Oriented Reforms for the Poor
For decades, Waqf properties have served a vital role in providing educational, medical, and social services to the underprivileged. However, due to rampant mismanagement, their potential has remained untapped. The new amendments will:


Strengthening Administrative Mechanisms

The Act introduces multiple governance reforms to streamline administration:


Inclusive Representation: A Voice for All

A major criticism of previous Waqf Boards was the lack of representation from various Muslim communities and backward classes. The amended Act addresses this by ensuring broader, more inclusive governance. Provisions include:


For the first time, two non-Muslim members (excluding ex-officio positions) will be part of Waqf Boards or Central Waqf Councils, reinforcing principles of transparency and social harmony

A Progressive Vision for the Future

Despite political opposition, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stands as one of the most forward-looking, inclusive, and pro-poor legislative reforms in recent years. It balances the preservation of cultural and religious traditions with the urgent need for accountability, empowerment, and development.

The Act is not a political weapon—it is a tool of justice, designed to return Waqf to its rightful role as a source of community upliftment and public good.
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