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KKN Gurugram Desk | On April 3, 2025, after being passed by the Lok Sabha, the Waqf Amendment Bill was also passed by the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts toward social and economic justice, transparency, and inclusive development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the bill’s passage as a major step forward for marginalized communities, particularly those who have historically been excluded from opportunities and access to resources. Prime Minister Modi’s Statement on the Waqf Bill: A Game-Changer for Social Justice In a statement following the passage of the bill, PM Modi emphasized that this bill is not just about legislative changes but a transformational shift in the way the Waqf system operates. He highlighted that the new law would specifically benefit the marginalized groups, including Muslim women, the poor, and the Pasmanda Muslims, who have faced long-standing social and economic disadvantages. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Bill would bring greater transparency and accountability to the Waqf system, ensuring that the funds and properties managed by the Waqf boards are used for the welfare of the community and the protection of their rights. Addressing Transparency Issues in the Waqf System For decades, the Waqf system in India has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and accountability. The absence of effective oversight has resulted in the misuse of resources and a failure to ensure the benefits of the Waqf properties reach the deserving beneficiaries. This has particularly affected the poor Muslims, women, and other underprivileged groups within the community. Prime Minister Modi’s remarks echoed the BJP’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform the system and address these long-standing issues. Modi stated that the new law would establish clearer guidelines and ensure greater oversight in the management of Waqf assets, enabling the empowerment of disadvantaged groups. The Waqf Bill: Empowering Marginalized Communities The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill signifies a historic shift toward ensuring that marginalized communities, especially Muslim women and the poor, are able to access the resources meant for their benefit. By implementing reforms that ensure accountability and transparency, the bill seeks to address the systemic issues that have left many groups without access to the benefits of Waqf properties. The Waqf system, which holds vast amounts of property and assets, has long been a crucial resource for community welfare, but it has also faced criticism for mismanagement and lack of transparency. The new law seeks to rectify these issues, ensuring that the funds and properties are used for their intended purpose—empowering the underprivileged and creating opportunities for socio-economic advancement. Modi’s Vision: A More Inclusive and Just India Prime Minister Modi's vision for the future of India includes a more inclusive and just society, where all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, can realize their potential. The Waqf Amendment Bill is seen as an important step toward achieving this vision, as it provides a framework for a modernized and transparent system that is aligned with the principles of social justice. In his statement, Modi emphasized that the bill would lead to a more sensitive approach to social justice, where the rights and dignity of every citizen would be given utmost priority. The government’s commitment to creating a stronger, more inclusive India is reflected in the passage of this legislation. BJP’s Argument: Helping the Poor Muslims The BJP’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill focuses on the reformist nature of the bill, which aims to assist the poorest sections of the Muslim community. According to the party, the bill is intended to empower the underprivileged by ensuring that the resources under the Waqf system are distributed equitably and are used for the welfare of the needy. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed that the bill would mark the beginning of a new era of social justice, one that is more modern, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the poor. The government's intent is clear: to address the inequalities faced by marginalized communities and provide them with equal opportunities for advancement. The Significance of the Waqf Bill for India’s Muslim Community For years, the Waqf system has played a crucial role in providing welfare services to the Muslim community in India. However, its effectiveness has often been hampered by mismanagement and a lack of accountability. The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to fix these issues by instituting a clearer regulatory framework and ensuring accountability in the management of Waqf properties. The bill also empowers Muslim women and poor Muslims by ensuring that they have greater access to the benefits that the Waqf system is supposed to provide. It ensures that the resources of the community are used to address the economic disparities that exist within the Muslim population, particularly for women and the underprivileged. Challenges Ahead: The Need for Effective Implementation While the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill is seen as a positive step forward, the real challenge lies in the effective implementation of the reforms. The success of the bill will depend on how well the government can ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient management of the Waqf properties. Moreover, the bill will need to be monitored closely to ensure that its provisions are carried out in a way that genuinely benefits the marginalized communities. As Prime Minister Modi pointed out, the new system should be more sensitive to the needs of society’s most vulnerable groups and should prioritize the welfare of the poor and disenfranchised. The passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill marks a significant step in India’s journey toward a more inclusive and just society. By addressing the long-standing issues of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system, the government aims to create a system that not only empowers marginalized communities but also fosters a sense of social justice and equal opportunity for all citizens. As the bill now awaits presidential approval, its successful implementation could potentially transform the lives of many underprivileged communities in India, particularly Muslim women and the poor. The bill represents a vision of a stronger, more inclusive India, where every citizen has the right to dignity, access to resources, and the opportunity to build a better future

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Waqf Amendment Bill Passes in Rajya Sabha: A Landmark Step Toward Social and Economic Justice