Want secular, inclusive Waqf Board with non-Muslims, women: Kiren Rijiju
Want secular, inclusive Waqf Board with non-Muslims, women: Kiren Rijiju
M.U.H
02/04/202527
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while speaking on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, asserted that the proposed changes would make the Waqf Board more secular and inclusive. Defending the bill, Rijiju emphasised that the bill seeks to bring diversity into the composition of the Waqf Board by including non-Muslim experts and ensuring the representation of women.
Rijiju explained that the Central Waqf Council, which currently lacks women members, will now have a mandatory inclusion of two women, along with a provision for up to four non-Muslim experts.
"At present, there are no women in the Waqf Board. Under the new amendment, Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agha Khanis, backward Muslims, women, and non-Muslim experts will all be represented," he said.
Rijiju illustrated the board's inclusivity by citing his own example, saying, "I'll give my own example. Suppose I am not a Muslim but I am the Minority Affairs Minister. Then I become Chairman of the Central Waqf Council. Despite my position, there can be a maximum of four non-Muslim members in the Council, and among them, two women members are compulsory."
Clarifying the rationale behind the inclusion of non-Muslims, the minister stressed that the Waqf Board is not the owner of waqf properties but merely a manager. He referenced court rulings on temple management to argue that overseeing such properties is a secular function, making the inclusion of non-Muslim experts appropriate. "You should welcome everyone. There is no need for anyone to object," Rijiju added.
He further detailed the structure of the Central Waqf Council under the amended bill, noting that it will consist of 22 members, with no more than four being non-Muslim. Among them, two seats will be reserved for women.
Additionally, the council will include three ex-officio members, three members of Parliament from various religious backgrounds, and judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts. The state waqf boards, under the amendment, will also see a similar restructuring, ensuring that out of 11 members, at least two Muslim women are included.
