President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during its budget session. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which was also passed by Parliament.
The Law Ministry issued notifications on Saturday saying that the President has given her assent to the two bills.
The Rajya Sabha passed the bill on Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 opposing it.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was a “watershed moment” and that it would help the marginalized, who have been “denied both voice and opportunity.”
“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Waqf (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 the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, focuses on improving the management of waqf properties, empowering stakeholders relevant to the management of waqf properties, improving the efficiency of the survey, registration, and case disposal process, and developing waqf properties. While the core purpose remains the management of waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923 was also repealed.
The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to streamline the administration of waqf properties across India. Key features include improving the registration process and incorporating technology to enhance the efficiency of Waqf board operations.
The bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act, enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improve the registration process, and increase the role of technology in managing waqf records.
(ANI)
