The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which came into effect on Tuesday, introduces key provisions aimed at strengthening the rights and representation of Muslim women in the governance and benefits structure of Waqf institutions, according to an official statement.
Among the major reforms introduced by the amended law is the protection of inheritance rights for women in family Waqf arrangements, also known as Waqf-alal-aulad. The statement notes that under Section 3A(2), no property can be dedicated to Waqf unless female heirs have first received their rightful inheritance share, thereby preventing the misuse of Waqf declarations to deny women property rights.
The amended law also expands the objectives of family Waqf to include financial support for widows, divorced women, and orphans. Section 3(r)(iv) allows Waqf funds to be used for their welfare and maintenance, aligning the legislation with Islamic principles of social justice and economic support.
To improve gender representation, the Act mandates the inclusion of at least two Muslim women in every State Waqf Board (Section 14) and the Central Waqf Council (Section 9). According to the release, this reform is intended to ensure women have a formal role in decision-making regarding the use and management of Waqf resources.
The government also highlighted targeted areas where women’s participation in governance is expected to have a direct impact. These include the allocation of scholarships for Muslim girls, provision of healthcare and maternity services, legal support for inheritance and domestic violence cases, and microfinance opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
The bill further calls for the creation of vocational training centres and self-help groups to promote financial independence among Muslim women. These centres are expected to offer training in sectors such as healthcare, business, and fashion design, enabling women to secure employment or launch their own enterprises.
In a move to improve transparency and reduce misuse of resources, the law also mandates the digitisation of Waqf records. Officials say this will help ensure that funds designated for women’s welfare are properly accounted for and utilised.
Describing the amendments as a significant shift from the past, the official statement said the reforms aim to correct long-standing inequalities by giving women a voice in governance and access to financial support through the Waqf system.
“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a step towards making Waqf institutions more inclusive, transparent and responsive to the needs of all sections of the Muslim community, especially women,” the statement read.
