New Delhi:

The recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Parliament has sparked controversy across the nation with the opposition parties vehemently opposing it, calling it unconstitutional. On Friday, the bill was passed by Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.  A day later, President Droupadi Murmu gave her clearance to the bill, making it a full-fledged law.

Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Sunday said that the central government does not intend to control Waqf boards, but it wants to only ensure that the functioning happens within the laws.

The nation saw protests against the law in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ranchi, and Lucknow with demonstrators saying ‘We Reject Waqf Bill’.

While addressing an event oranised at the BJP headquarters on the occasion of the national party’s 45th foundation day, Nadda cited the instances of Turkish government and many countries taking Waqf properties under its control.

“We are only asking those operating (the Waqf Boards) to do it as per rules. You will have to do it as per rules,” Nadda said.

The main objective of the Waqf Amendment Bill is to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. The bill plans to make changes in the shortcomings seen in the previous act by renaming the Act, updating proper definitions of the Waqf boards, bettering the registration process, and improving Waqf records with the assistance of the technology.

Waqf means the properties of individuals or groups are dedicated to religious or charitable purposes under the Islamic laws. The word Waqf is derived from the Arabic word ‘Waufa’, which means to detain or to hold or tie up

“We do not seek to control the Waqf Board. Our goal is to ensure that those managing it operate within the bounds of law and adhere to established rules. The properties and funds of the Waqf Board should be dedicated to promoting education, providing healthcare and employment opportunities for the Muslim community,” he added.

The word “Waqf” has its origin in the Arabic word “Waqufa” meaning thereby to detain or to hold or tie up, as per the definition mentioned in the Waqf.in.gov.in.

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