The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a major update to the existing Waqf laws in India. It was introduced to solve many ongoing issues related to Waqf properties and their management. Over the years, people have raised concerns about misuse of power, lack of transparency, and poor administration by Waqf Boards. This new bill brings changes to make the system more fair, modern, and inclusive. It also focuses on helping women and the underprivileged through better policies and legal support.
#RajyaSabha passes the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 & the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 after due discussions & considerations.
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 4, 2025
This landmark legislation aims to enhance transparency, accountability & regulatory oversight in the management of #waqf properties across India,… pic.twitter.com/AJ3CLnkUQy
What is Waqf?
Waqf is a traditional Islamic practice where a Muslim donates property for religious or charitable causes. These properties are often used for building mosques, schools, hospitals, or other welfare projects.
What are the features of Waqf?
In Waqf, once a property is declared waqf, it is inalienable, which means it cannot be sold. In Waqf, property belongs to God. All its features are given below in detail:
- Inalienable: Once a property is declared waqf, it cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited.
- Permanent: The property belongs to God, and its purpose remains forever.
- Charitable Use: Meant for the benefit of the community, especially the poor and needy.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
Why was there a need Amendment in the Waqf Bill 2025?
Over the years, several problems emerged in managing Waqf properties. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced to fix these issues and bring transparency, accountability, and fairness.
What were the existing challenges in the Waqf Bill?
| Issue | Description |
| ❌ Lack of Transparency | Poor record-keeping and accountability in property management |
| 📋 Incomplete Land Records | Many Waqf properties are unsurveyed or not updated in land records |
| ⚖️ Legal Disputes | Over 21,000 pending cases related to encroachment and claims |
| 🚫 Misuse of Power | Waqf Boards could declare any property as Waqf without proper proof |
| 📉 Poor Administration | Weak financial audits, inefficient management, and poor upkeep |
| 👩🦰 Gender Inequality | Limited rights for Muslim women in inheritance and benefits |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Lack of Representation | Stakeholders, especially from smaller sects, were excluded |
What were the key reforms introduced by the Waqf Bill 2025?
The Bill aims to modernise Waqf property management, ensure community welfare, and protect individual property rights.
Major Benefits:
1. Property Rights and Dispute Resolution
- Prevents Waqf Boards from arbitrarily claiming land
- Special focus on resolving disputes over non-Muslim and government properties
Some Ongoing Cases (as of 2024):
| State | Dispute |
| Tamil Nadu | A farmer couldn’t sell his land due to Waqf claims on the entire village |
| Bihar | Waqf claim on the entire Govindpur village affected seven families |
| Kerala | 600 Christian families challenged Waqf's claim on ancestral land |
| Karnataka | Waqf Board declared 15,000 acres in Vijayapura as Waqf land |
| Punjab | Land owned by the Education Department is claimed by the Punjab Waqf Board |
| Delhi | Over 350 properties under MoHUA in litigation due to Waqf claims |
2. Empowering Muslim Women
The bill supports the economic and legal rights of Muslim women, especially widows and divorcees.
Women's Welfare Initiatives: Promote Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and financial independence. Digitise waqf records for transparency. Offer legal aid for inheritance disputes. Run healthcare, pension, and vocational programmes.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Benefits of the Bill
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 3, 2025
🔹 The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare
🔹 Rights of Muslim Women and Legal Heirs- The Bill also seeks… pic.twitter.com/ZD8moxTPsL
What will be the focus areas in the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025?In the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, the main focus is on scholarships for girls and skill training in fashion, health, and entrepreneurship. It is also supported legally in domestic and inheritance issues. Pension schemes for widows are also focused on the new amendments. |
3. Support for the Poor and Marginalized
Waqf properties have historically served the underprivileged. The Bill strengthens this role.
Welfare Enhancements:
- Centralized digital portal for monitoring Waqf properties
- Regular audits to prevent corruption
- Better revenue use for education, healthcare, and housing
- Increased accountability through inspections
4. Improved Governance & Transparency
The Waqf Bill enhances coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities, making governance smoother.
Governance Reforms:
- Simplified decision-making process
- Timely surveys and updates of property records
- Transparent financial reporting
- Strong legal framework to protect rights
5. Inclusivity and Representation
The new law ensures better representation of different Muslim communities and even non-Muslims.
Waqf Board Composition:
| Group | Representation |
| Bohra & Aghakhani | 1 member each (if Auqaf exists) |
| Shia & Sunni | Fair representation |
| Backward Muslim Classes | Included |
| Local Bodies | 2+ elected members from Panchayats/Municipalities |
| Non-Muslims | 2 members (excluding ex-officio) |
Conclusion: A Step Towards Fairness & Development
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a progressive step towards better management of religious and charitable assets in India. It ensures:
- Transparency and accountability in property handling
- Fair rights for women and marginalized groups
- Resolution of long-standing property disputes
- Inclusive representation in Waqf
While Waqf remains a religious and charitable institution, its administration will now follow a more legal and regulatory approach, safeguarding the rights of all communities and strengthening social welfare.
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