Centre to introduce bill in Parliament to allow women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards—Muslim groups express dissent.
In a landmark move, the Central Government is set to present a bill in Parliament today seeking 14 significant amendments to the Waqf Act. Among the major changes proposed is the inclusion of women and non-Muslims as members of Waqf Boards, a step aimed at promoting inclusivity and transparency.
With nearly 9.4 lakh hectares of land under its control, the Waqf Board is the third-largest landholder in India after the Indian Railways and the Defence Ministry. To put it into perspective, this land could accommodate nearly three Delhis.
However, the proposed reforms have not gone down well with a large section of the Muslim community and opposition leaders. Critics argue that these changes are being rushed without adequate consultation and may dilute the religious and cultural character of Waqf properties.
While the government positions this move as progressive and necessary for modern governance, political analysts believe it could have deeper implications, especially with elections looming.
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