New Delhi, April 3 (HS): During the Rajya Sabha discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, House Leader JP Nadda emphasized that the bill's purpose is to serve the country's interests rather than any political party.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 aims to enhance the management of Waqf properties through necessary reforms. Nadda stated that the Modi-led government is committed to democratic practices. He raised critical questions regarding the management and accountability of Waqf properties, highlighting the need to prevent their misuse.

The bill seeks to ensure proper utilization of these properties, particularly for the Muslim community, enhancing their education, health, and property management. He cited historical instances of the abolishment of triple talaq in other nations, asserting that India's recent actions to end the practice represent a significant progressive step.

Nadda questioned why managing Waqf properties presents challenges in India when other Muslim countries effectively safeguard such assets. He noted that from 1913 to 2013, Waqf managed 1.8 million hectares of land, with an additional 2.1 million hectares since then, prompting the need for amendments to the Waqf Act of 2013 to prevent misuse. He underscored that lawmaking is an evolving process while affirming the present government's adherence to democratic standards.

Responding to opposition calls for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Nadda highlighted that the current JPC has expanded from 13 to 31 members and conducted extensive meetings to scrutinize the Waqf Bill. He urged Congress to support this legislation, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability, citing previous mismanagement and illegal benefits garnered by land mafias from 2013 to 2025 as a cause of concern for the Muslim community.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar