Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is set to move the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for passage in Parliament as the legislative session reconvenes today. The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in the regulation and management of Waqf properties.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will also present amendments made by the Rajya Sabha to the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, for consideration.
The proposed changes affect key banking legislations, including the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Meanwhile, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, L Murugan, and Ravneet Singh are scheduled to lay papers in the House for their respective ministries.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to be tabled after Question Hour for discussion and passage. An eight-hour debate is scheduled, though the duration may be extended.
Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have issued whips to their MPs, ensuring maximum attendance in the House. Their respective allies have also called for full participation on April 2 and 3.
With the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition’s INDIA bloc maintaining firm positions, the bill’s fate is likely to be determined by numerical strength on the floor.
The opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the proposed legislation. Samajwadi Party’s chief whip, Dharmendra Yadav, has issued a three-line whip directing all party MPs in the Lok Sabha to be present and participate in discussions on the bill.
Additionally, leaders of the INDIA bloc convened on Tuesday to formulate a strategy ahead of the debate.
Originally introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year, the bill was subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by Jagdambika Pal for further deliberation.
The proposed amendments seek to enhance the administration and oversight of Waqf properties by addressing shortcomings in the existing Act.
Key changes include renaming the legislation, updating definitions related to Waqf, improving the registration process, and incorporating technology to enhance record management.
The Waqf Act, 1995, was enacted to regulate Waqf properties, but it has faced longstanding criticism over allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
The government argues that the proposed amendments will strengthen governance and streamline administrative processes related to Waqf assets.
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