New Delhi: The Haj Association of India has warmly welcomed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The association views this bill as a significant step by the Indian government.

A Aboobucker, Chairman of the Haj Association of India, praised the bill for its potential benefits to women and the underprivileged. "We are pleased with this amendment, as the existing Act is outdated. Given the current needs, updates were necessary. The government's initiative is commendable, and we support it wholeheartedly," said Aboobucker. He criticized the opposition, stating that some organizations and political parties opposing the bill might not fully grasp its positive impact on women's empowerment and support for the poor.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, presented the bill in the Lok Sabha. The amendment aims to address key issues related to the State Waqf Boards, including the registration and survey of waqf properties and removal of encroachments.

In his speech, Rijiju assured that the bill would not infringe upon the rights of any religious body. He emphasized that the bill is intended to extend rights to those who have previously been overlooked. The reform is based on the Sachar Committee's recommendations, which were initially set forth by the Congress.

However, the bill faced strong criticism from opposition members. Congress MP KC Venugopal condemned it as an "attack on the federal system." NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule called for either a complete withdrawal or a referral of the bill to a standing committee, urging the government to avoid pushing agendas without proper consultation. RSP MP NK Premachandran expressed concerns that the bill could face judicial challenges, while DMK MP Kanimozhi argued that it violates Article 30, which ensures minorities' rights to manage their institutions. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav criticized the bill as politically motivated and suggested it could affect everyone's rights. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi claimed it contravenes Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution.

Earlier in the week, the All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council (AISSC) expressed support for the proposed amendments and urged cooperation from all stakeholders. AISSC Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty emphasized the importance of protecting dargahs and maintaining transparency within the Waqf Boards, noting corruption issues in various states.

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