Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the passing of the Waqf Bill a “watershed moment.” He said the new law will benefit people who have been ignored for a long time and lacked both voice and opportunities. Speaking from Thailand and Sri Lanka, he highlighted its importance. The bill aims to bring fairness and better rights to marginalized groups.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by Parliament as a “watershed moment” in the nation’s ongoing pursuit of socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.
While visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister noted that the new legislation would particularly benefit “those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.”
He expressed gratitude to the members of Parliament who shared their viewpoints and contributed to the enhancement of the legislation.
He added,
“A special thanks also to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed,”
Modi pointed out that for decades, the Waqf system was associated with a lack of transparency and accountability, which adversely affected Muslim women, impoverished Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims.
He stated,
“The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights.”
He emphasized that the country is entering a new era characterized by a framework that is more modern and attuned to social justice.
He concluded,
“On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India,”
Also Read: AIMPLB Demands Withdrawal of Waqf Amendment Bill, Plans Nationwide Protest
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which faced significant opposition from various groups, including key Muslim organizations, was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
It now awaits the assent of President Droupadi Murmu to become law. The government asserts that the legislation will enhance the efficiency and transparency of Waqf bodies, while the Opposition claims it undermines minority rights and accuses the government of targeting Waqf properties.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after a 12-hour-long debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
Also Read: Kiren Rijiju in Rajya Sabha|| “Waqf Bill Will Benefit Crores of Poor Muslims”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is a law that changes parts of the existing Waqf Act, 1995. The goal is to make the management of Waqf properties more efficient, transparent, and modern.
The original Waqf Act was made to regulate and manage Waqf properties – these are properties given for religious or charity purposes under Islamic law.
The Bill was first introduced in August 2024 and later sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which made some suggestions for changes.
Now, it has been officially passed by the Lok Sabha.