K Rahman Khan, a veteran Congress leader and former Union minority affairs minister, has raised significant concerns about the new Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the Narendra Modi government. Khan, who led a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf in the late 1990s and early 2000s, believes the new legislation could undo key reforms established by the Waqf Act of 1995 and its 2013 amendments.
 |
| The former Union minority affairs minister, K Rahman Khan, headed a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf in 1999 and 2008, recommending amendments to the Waqf Act. |
Background and Concerns
The new Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, has sparked controversy and opposition from various quarters. Critics, including Khan, argue that the government has bypassed essential consultations with stakeholders, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other organizations crucial to Waqf affairs.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Khan expressed his discontent with the lack of stakeholder engagement, noting that the previous amendments in 2013 were well-received by the Muslim community and addressed numerous issues related to Waqf properties. The 2013 amendments aimed to curb illegal encroachments and made them criminal offenses, improvements Khan feels are now under threat.
Key Issues with the New Bill
Khan outlined several major issues with the new Bill:
Reversal of Reforms: The proposed legislation seems to roll back the progress made by the 1995 Act and the 2013 amendments. Khan criticized the move to abolish Waqf Tribunals and the requirement for all Waqf properties to re-register, which he believes will lead to significant administrative challenges and potential exclusion of properties without formal deeds.
Impact on Waqf Boards: The Bill removes provisions that allowed Waqf Boards to independently register properties and introduces non-Muslims into Waqf Boards, which Khan argues is inappropriate for managing Muslim charitable and religious affairs.
Government's Stance and Future Review
The BJP argues that the Bill will increase transparency and ensure better representation of women in Waqf Boards. However, Khan disputes these claims, questioning the rationale behind including non-Muslims in Waqf Board management.
Despite his criticisms, Khan welcomed the decision to send the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for detailed discussion. He views this as a positive step, allowing for a thorough examination of the Bill and ensuring that various stakeholders can present their perspectives before the legislation moves forward.
Khan’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill and underscore the need for comprehensive dialogue and consideration of all viewpoints before enacting significant changes to existing laws.
No comments:
Post a Comment