Indian Government Proposes Waqf Act Amendments

The Indian government is set to introduce a Bill to amend the Waqf Act, aiming to enhance accountability and transparency within Waqf boards and ensure women's inclusion. Former minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has called for the Waqf system to move beyond its 'touch-me-not' mentality, asserting that resistance to reforms is detrimental. However, significant opposition has arisen from various Muslim organizations and clerics, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which contends that any interference with Waqf boards' legal powers is unacceptable. Critics, such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, argue that the BJP-led government's actions reflect a broader agenda against Waqf properties. These developments have sparked a heated political debate surrounding the future of Waqf systems in India.