The Lok Sabha on Wednesday saw a heated debate as BJP led Central government and the opposition clashed over the waqf (Amendment) Bill, tabled by minority affairs minister kiren Rijiju
Congresss leader Gaurav Gogoi criticised the proposed changes, calling them an attack on the constitution’s basic structure. he accused the government of diluting constitutional safeguards, defaming minorities and dividing society.
Defending the amendments, BJP Leader Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted they were necessary to prevent misuse and illegal occupation. he claimed many Waqf lands were vacant or being looted, requiring government intervention for regulation.
Waqf refers to assets set aside solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic Law with any other use or sale of the property being forbidden.
The Waqf properties in India constitute a vast Network of religious, commercial and agricultural assets. According to the waqf assets Management System of India, the country has 8,72,324 immovable waqf properties, making it one of the largest repositories of religious and community owned land in the world
Graveyards account for 1,15,516 properties (17%),while mosques make up 1,19,200 properties (14%).Commercial establishments such as shops (1,13,187) and houses (92,505) Play an economic role, while agricultural land comprises 1,40,784 Properties (16%).Religious sites like dargahs and mazars total 33,492 Properties.
