After Lok Sabha Approval, Waqf Amendment Bill Tabled In Rajya Sabha

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (3 April), a day after passing the Lok Sabha test.

The Lower House held a 12-hour debate before passing the Bill with 288 members in support and 232 opposing it.

The bill seeks to improve the administration of Waqf properties, introduce technology-driven management, address complexities and ensure transparency.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected Opposition claims that the Bill targets Muslims.

He stated that it is not intended to hurt any religious sentiments.

"The Waqf board will only oversee, not manage, Waqf properties," Rijiju added.

"The Bill aims to accomplish unfulfilled tasks of previous governments," he said.

He added that 8.72 lakh properties are under Waqf today, as compared to from 4.9 lakh in 2004.

Earlier, during the debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted the Congress for allegedly spreading misinformation on the Bill, and assured that the legislation does not seek to interfere in Muslims' religious matters.

"That the Waqf bill is interference in Muslims' religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank," he said.

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