Reforming the Waqf Act: BJP’s Push for Accountability and Equity

Demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, have broken out in opposition-led regions, including West Bengal’s Murshidabad and Diamond Harbor, parts of Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. The protests are being propelled by the INDIA bloc, an alliance of parties such as the Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI(M), RJD, JMM, and AAP. Observers suggest these protests are less about the law itself and more about political posturing ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

Centre Defends Legislation as Anti-Corruption Move

The central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reiterated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act is a vital reform to combat mismanagement and corruption in waqf properties. Officials assert the law is not directed against any community but aims to bring transparency and efficiency to the administration of religious endowments. According to government sources, the Act serves as a governance tool, not a political weapon.

Decades of Lax Oversight Prompt Reform Push

Waqf, the Islamic tradition of donating property for religious or charitable purposes, has long functioned with limited regulation. This lack of oversight, experts argue, has led to widespread irregularities. The recent amendments mark a shift toward a more accountable framework, ending years of unchecked autonomy enjoyed by waqf boards.

Parliamentary Backing Reinforces Legitimacy of Bill

Despite opposition labeling it as “controversial,” the Act was passed after a detailed debate in Parliament. The government maintains that the law aims to protect the interests of the intended beneficiaries rather than serve partisan agendas. Analysts see the bill as a calculated yet essential move toward administrative overhaul.

Section 40 Repealed to End Arbitrary Land Control

In a significant move, the BJP government has repealed Section 40 of the original Waqf Act, which allowed waqf boards to unilaterally declare land as waqf property. The provision had long been criticized for enabling unregulated land claims. With this change, authorities believe backdoor religious land acquisitions will be curtailed effectively.

Supporters Hail It as a Landmark Legislative Shift

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been widely praised by BJP supporters as a critical legal intervention aimed at overhauling waqf property administration. The bill introduces clearer regulatory frameworks to minimize misuse and inefficiencies. Party leaders have described it as one of the most consequential property reforms in recent years.

New Law Introduces Checks on Board Powers

Among the key reforms is the rationalization of waqf boards’ powers, which had previously allowed for unchecked control and frequent allegations of corruption. Repealing Section 40 introduces legal safeguards and external scrutiny. This overhaul is being positioned as a milestone for fair and transparent governance of religious assets.

Financial Clarity Aimed at Uplifting Marginalised Muslims

The legislation mandates the digitisation of waqf records and stricter financial audits, aiming to ensure that the benefits of these endowments reach deprived sections of the Muslim community, including Pasmanda Muslims. The move is expected to break the dominance of entrenched religious elites and shift control toward the grassroots.

Inclusive Representation at the Forefront of the Reform

A notable feature of the new Act is the inclusion of non-Muslim members and underrepresented Muslim groups like Bohras and Aghakhanis on waqf boards. Critics have argued this dilutes community control, but the government claims it enhances democratic representation. The inclusion of women and minorities is being hailed as a step toward more equitable waqf governance.

Diverse Voices Seen as Strength, Not Threat

According to government officials, expanding board membership to non-Muslims and women reflects a broader national ethos of inclusion. They argue that diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and reduce the scope for partisan misuse. Experts note that this aligns with global best practices in charitable trust management.

Public Land Reclaimed from False Waqf Claims

One of the more impactful provisions in the new legislation is the protection of government land from being wrongfully claimed as waqf property. Authorities can now reclaim such land, ending years of disputes and encroachments.

Officials say this change will help preserve public assets and reduce politically-motivated land grabs.

Tribal Rights Recognised and Protected

In a further move, the Act includes clauses that shield tribal lands from being wrongly classified as waqf property. This measure has been welcomed by tribal rights groups, who see it as a long-overdue protection of indigenous territories. The amendment ensures that vulnerable communities are not overshadowed in legal frameworks designed for welfare.

Technology-Driven Transparency Rolled Out

With the creation of a centralised digital registry for waqf properties, the new Act brings technology into the forefront of religious trust governance. Digital audits and real-time access to property data are expected to reduce corruption. Officials emphasize that in an age of digitisation, such reforms are not only timely but essential.

Global Models Inspire Local Solutions

Drawing from international examples like Turkey and Qatar, India’s amendment brings the waqf system closer to modern standards of management and oversight. The focus remains on efficiency while respecting traditional values.

The government says these global parallels demonstrate that reform and religious respect can go hand in hand.

Legislation Echoes ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ Vision

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is being seen as an extension of the BJP’s broader agenda of inclusive development. With accountability, inclusivity, and digital transparency at its core, the bill aims to reset how religious trusts operate in India. Government sources underline that the law reflects the spirit of equal opportunity across all communities.

Path to Reform Faces Resistance but Offers Clarity

While opposition parties and certain community leaders continue to voice discontent, the government maintains that the reforms are intended to bring greater clarity, order, and fairness to waqf property management. As India grapples with 21st-century governance challenges, the Waqf Amendment Act stands as a bold attempt to merge tradition with transparency.

 

Reference :https://www.oneindia.com/india/waqf-amendment-bill-bjp-bold-step-to-end-exploitation-bring-justice-for-all-4123127.html