Parliament to table key bills amid discussions of Waqf Act amendments

The Parliament’s Budget Session resumes on Monday with several important bills on the agenda. This follows a week of intense debates between opposition and ruling parties, who are expected to clash over various issues. Among the key proposals is the potential amendment to the Waqf Act, which may limit the Waqf Board’s authority to designate properties.

Key bills and amendments

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present a bill to readjust the representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa’s assembly constituencies. In the Rajya Sabha, Hardeep Singh Puri will introduce the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill on Tuesday.

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Reports suggest the government may propose amendments to the Waqf Act, potentially requiring mandatory verification for property claims and limiting the Waqf Board’s authority. Although there is no official confirmation from the government, unnamed officials have said the move aims to bring transparency and accountability. Some Muslim high court judges had noted that Waqf board decisions cannot be challenged in courts, prompting the need for amendments.

Mixed reactions and concerns

Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party, criticized the potential amendments, arguing they aim to take away Waqf properties and reduce the board's autonomy, which he claims is against religious freedom. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, urged the government to consult stakeholders before making changes, emphasizing the importance of preserving properties designated as Waqf under Islamic law.

On the other hand, Senior BJP leader Dinesh Sharma defended the proposed changes, citing complaints against Waqf boards' misuse of properties meant for minority benefits. The 2013 Congress government had expanded Waqf Boards’ powers, and the new amendments aim to increase women’s representation, introduce measures for monitoring properties, and address delays in property surveying.

In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members plan to discuss the functioning of several ministries, including Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, New and Renewable Energy, and Cooperation.