Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025: BJP's A Reformative Step Against Social Injustice
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Recently, protests have emerged across opposition-ruled regions such as Murshidabad and Diamond Harbour in West Bengal, parts of Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. These demonstrations, though framed as community-driven, appear to be politically motivated, primarily fueled by the INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties including the Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI(M), RJD, JMM, and AAP.
However, the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has categorically stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is a landmark move to bring transparency, accountability, and equity to religious endowments. Far from being a targeted action against any community, the amendment introduces much-needed reforms in the management of Waqf properties, ensuring they are used effectively for the welfare of all, especially the poor and marginalised.
What is Waqf?
Waqf refers to movable or immovable property voluntarily donated by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Over the decades, Waqf Boards operated with limited oversight, leading to widespread irregularities, encroachments, and underutilization of assets that were originally intended to serve the community.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 brings these institutions under a transparent and modern framework of governance.
Empowering Muslim Women: A Core Focus
One of the most progressive aspects of the amendment is its emphasis on improving the socio-economic conditions of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorced women. The Act encourages the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) and supports financial independence initiatives. It also mandates the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, ensuring that Waqf resources are directed toward inclusive development.
Key initiatives under the reform include:
A cornerstone of the reform is the digitization of Waqf records through a centralized portal. This step ensures:
Strengthening Administrative Mechanisms
The Act introduces multiple governance reforms to streamline administration:
Inclusive Representation: A Voice for All
A major criticism of previous Waqf Boards was the lack of representation from various Muslim communities and backward classes. The amended Act addresses this by ensuring broader, more inclusive governance. Provisions include:
For the first time, two non-Muslim members (excluding ex-officio positions) will be part of Waqf Boards or Central Waqf Councils, reinforcing principles of transparency and social harmony
A Progressive Vision for the Future
Despite political opposition, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stands as one of the most forward-looking, inclusive, and pro-poor legislative reforms in recent years. It balances the preservation of cultural and religious traditions with the urgent need for accountability, empowerment, and development.
The Act is not a political weapon—it is a tool of justice, designed to return Waqf to its rightful role as a source of community upliftment and public good.
However, the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has categorically stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is a landmark move to bring transparency, accountability, and equity to religious endowments. Far from being a targeted action against any community, the amendment introduces much-needed reforms in the management of Waqf properties, ensuring they are used effectively for the welfare of all, especially the poor and marginalised.
What is Waqf?
Waqf refers to movable or immovable property voluntarily donated by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Over the decades, Waqf Boards operated with limited oversight, leading to widespread irregularities, encroachments, and underutilization of assets that were originally intended to serve the community.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 brings these institutions under a transparent and modern framework of governance.
Empowering Muslim Women: A Core Focus
One of the most progressive aspects of the amendment is its emphasis on improving the socio-economic conditions of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorced women. The Act encourages the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) and supports financial independence initiatives. It also mandates the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, ensuring that Waqf resources are directed toward inclusive development.
Key initiatives under the reform include:
- Scholarships for Muslim girls
- Healthcare and maternity welfare programs
- Skill development & microfinance for women entrepreneurs
- Vocational training in healthcare, fashion design, and more
- Legal aid centers for resolving inheritance disputes and domestic violence cases
- Pension schemes for widows
Ensuring Transparency through Digitization
- Real-time tracking and auditing of Waqf properties
- Prevention of encroachment and illegal use
- Streamlined grievance redressal and public access to data
- By adopting a tech-driven approach, the government aims to end the era of opaque functioning and usher in a new age of transparency.
Welfare-Oriented Reforms for the Poor
For decades, Waqf properties have served a vital role in providing educational, medical, and social services to the underprivileged. However, due to rampant mismanagement, their potential has remained untapped. The new amendments will:- Curb the misuse and illegal occupation of Waqf land
- Enhance revenue generation for genuine welfare programs
- Direct funds toward housing, livelihood support, education, and healthcare
- Strengthen auditing systems to build public trust
Strengthening Administrative Mechanisms
The Act introduces multiple governance reforms to streamline administration:
- Enhances coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities
- Mandates regular audits and inspections for accountability
- Establishes clear roles and rights for stakeholders
- Promotes good governance through inclusive and participatory models
Inclusive Representation: A Voice for All
A major criticism of previous Waqf Boards was the lack of representation from various Muslim communities and backward classes. The amended Act addresses this by ensuring broader, more inclusive governance. Provisions include:
- Mandatory representation from Bohra and Aghakhani communities (where functional Auqaf exist)
- Inclusion of Muslims from backward classes, in addition to Shia and Sunni representatives
- Participation from elected local bodies—municipalities and Panchayats—bringing grassroots perspectives into Waqf management
For the first time, two non-Muslim members (excluding ex-officio positions) will be part of Waqf Boards or Central Waqf Councils, reinforcing principles of transparency and social harmony
A Progressive Vision for the Future
Despite political opposition, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stands as one of the most forward-looking, inclusive, and pro-poor legislative reforms in recent years. It balances the preservation of cultural and religious traditions with the urgent need for accountability, empowerment, and development.
The Act is not a political weapon—it is a tool of justice, designed to return Waqf to its rightful role as a source of community upliftment and public good.
