Modi Government Approves 40 Amendments to Waqf Act to Curb Board Powers

Aug 4, 2024, 03:34 AM

The Union Cabinet, led by the Modi government, has approved significant amendments to the Waqf Act, aiming to curb the powers of the Waqf Board. The proposed bill includes 40 amendments and is expected to be tabled soon in Parliament. The amendments seek to verify Waqf properties and limit the board's authority to declare any property a 'waqf asset'. This move is seen as an effort to address concerns over the board's extensive powers, which have been criticized by various political and social groups. The Waqf Act, originally passed to protect Muslim properties post-partition, has undergone amendments in 1995 and 2013 to increase the board's powers. The current government believes that the changes are necessary to prevent misuse and ensure fair governance of Waqf properties. The cabinet discussed these amendments on Friday evening.