Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: Parliament Live Updates & Key Takeaways

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is being fiercely debated in Parliament today, with proposed changes that could significantly alter the management of Muslim charitable properties across India. Follow live updates from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as lawmakers clash over this contentious legislation.

📜 What’s in the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025?

Key Proposed Changes

• Centralized Oversight:
  • A revamped National Waqf Council with PMO appointees calling shots.
  • State boards forced to answer straight to Delhi, bypassing local sway.
• Audit & Transparency:
  • Yearly CAG audits to crack down on shady waqf dealings.
  • Full digitization push for 8.7 lakh registered properties—geo-tagging included.
• Commercial Use Expansion:
  • Leases stretched from 3 to 30 years for waqf land.
  • Green light for public-private partnerships to build on these plots.

⚡ Live Debate Highlights (April 2, 2025)

Lok Sabha (3:30 PM IST)

• Opposition Fires: “This stomps on state rights and Muslim freedom,” AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi roared, slamming it as a power grab.
• Govt Hits Back: “We’re saving ₹1.2 lakh crore in waqf land from crooks,” Smriti Irani shot back, touting anti-corruption cred.

Rajya Sabha (4:45 PM IST)

• DMK Storms Out: “It’s anti-federal bullying,” they raged, walking off the floor.
• BJP Doubles Down: Pointed to Kerala’s gold smuggling mess—linked to waqf funds—as proof reform’s overdue.

Why This Bill’s Got Everyone Riled

Supporters Say:

• Cleans Up Corruption: Sachar Committee pegged 31% of waqf properties as illegally held—bill aims to fix that.
• Cash Flow: Could unlock ₹25,000 crore a year if properties get a proper shake-up.

Opponents Warn:

• Central Overreach: Hands Muslim assets to the PMO, shredding community control.
• Land Grab Vibes: PPP deals might just fatten corporate pals, not the poor.

Historical Context

• 1954: Waqf Act kicked off—state boards got the reins.
• 2013: Amended for a central database—first nudge toward oversight.
• 2025: This bill’s the tightest leash yet—Delhi’s grip goes full throttle.

Next Steps

• Voting Timeline: Lok Sabha showdown slated for April 3; Rajya Sabha wraps it April 4.
• Court Fights Loom: If it passes, expect legal heat—Article 30 (minority rights) will be the battle cry.

Connect with us on Instagram and WhatsApp.