Waqf bill tabled in Rajya Sabha after marathon 12-hour debate in Lok Sabha

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha passed the Bill late at night after a 12-hour debate. The ruling NDA supported it as beneficial for minorities, while the Opposition called it “anti-Muslim.”

All opposition amendments were rejected by voice votes. The Bill was passed with 288 votes in favour and 232 against.

Key changes include strengthening Waqf tribunals, implementing a structured selection process, and setting a fixed tenure for efficient dispute resolution. The mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, and institutions earning over ₹1 lakh will face state-audited financial reviews.

Bill is about property management: Kiren Rijiju

Introducing the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that it is about property management, not religion. He stated that the Bill aims to include all Muslim sects in the Waqf board.

Rijiju informed the House that the number of Waqf properties has increased from 4.9 lakh in 2004 to 8.72 lakh today. He urged the opposition to support the Bill, saying it seeks to complete tasks left unfinished by previous governments.

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He also highlighted that Waqf holds the largest amount of land in the country, after the defence and railway sectors. Dismissing opposition concerns, Rijiju assured that the Bill is not against Muslims and does not interfere with religious matters.

Govt names Waqf bill as UMEED

The government has decided to rename the Bill as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED), emphasising its positive intent.