Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with 288 Votes; Major Reforms in Waqf Property Management
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The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, following an intense debate between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. The bill aims to introduce key changes to the management and regulation of waqf properties across India.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces significant reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in waqf property management. Under the new provisions, the Waqf Board can no longer claim government properties, and its authority over old government lands will be revoked. The power to declare any property as waqf is being abolished, and all property records must be uploaded on an online portal for transparency. A property will be recognized as waqf only after proper investigation, and the board must submit complete details of properties within six months. Donations to waqf will require valid proof and agreement, and the donor must have followed Islam for at least five years before making a contribution. The bill also allows waqf land to be used for social welfare purposes and ensures women and non-Muslims get representation in waqf boards. Additionally, the authority to investigate waqf matters will be given to officers of a rank higher than the Collector to prevent misuse and irregularities.
What’s Next?
With Lok Sabha’s approval, the bill will now move to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion and voting. If passed in the Rajya Sabha, it will require Presidential assent before becoming law.