No Land Will be Taken Under Waqf Bill, says Rijiju in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI:
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday assured that no land would be taken under the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as he moved it for consideration in the Lok Sabha.

Addressing concerns, Rijiju dismissed rumors that the bill would affect Muslims’ rights, emphasizing that it aims to improve efficiency and transparency in Waqf property management. He highlighted that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) held unprecedented discussions, hearing from 284 delegations across 25 states and union territories.

Rijiju pointed to a long-standing legal dispute over 123 properties in Delhi, including the Parliament building, which the UPA government had denotified and handed over to the Waqf Board. “If we had not introduced this amendment, even the Parliament building could have been claimed as Waqf property,” he asserted.

Criticizing the Congress-led 2013 amendments, which allowed non-Muslims to create Waqf, Rijiju argued that Waqf was traditionally meant for Muslims. He also opposed the provision granting Waqf boards overriding powers over other laws.

To enhance transparency, he announced the introduction of a digital portal and a centralized database under the bill, dubbed UMEED (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development). The new system will ensure proper registration, tracking, and monitoring of Waqf properties.

Rijiju urged the opposition to support the bill, stating, “Millions of poor Muslims will bless me for this effort. But why should I take these blessings alone? You should receive them too.”