#309: Waqf Bill 2024
Past, Present & Future; all covered for UPSC!
I’ll add more details as they come, here’s a look at what we know today and also, to stay updated do follow me on X (formerly Twitter)
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Waqf Bill is expected to be in Parliament in this session. Read this post to cover all you need to know for UPSC Pre & Mains
Waqf Bill has evolved to be India’s Property Puzzle
1. What Is It About? (The Basics)
Imagine the Waqf Bill as a referee stepping into a chaotic land dispute. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, modifies the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs properties donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes, known as waqf. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, this bill seeks to address mismanagement and improve transparency in waqf administration. However, it has ignited fierce debate that some view it as a step toward fairness, while others see it as an overreach by the government. For UPSC aspirants, this issue blends law, religion, and governance into a critical case study.
Waqf: Definition
Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of property for pious purposes, such as mosques, schools, or orphanages. India has approximately 8.7 lakh waqf properties, covering 9.4 lakh acres and valued at around ₹1.2 lakh crore.
2. History (The Property Saga)
Began in 12th Century u/ Delhi Sultanate when Muslim rulers donated land for charitable causes. Britishers oversaw the same via Waqf Act of 1913 with subsequent laws formalizing management of properties in 1954.
It was the Waqf Act of 1995 that unified all above rules establishing the Waqf Boards to regulate the properties. In its present form, the 2024 bill repeals the 1923 Muslim Waqf Act and renames the 1995 Act as the “United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act” (UWMEEDA).
It was forwarded to JPC which cleared the same on Feb 13 thus clearing way for presentation in the parliament
UPSC Relevance (GS-1): This history traces the evolution of property laws from colonial times to modern India, reflecting shifts in power and administration.
3. Modernization for a Digital Shift
The bill calls for
creating centralized digital portal within 6 months to register and track all waqf properties
See this like a GPS system for lost or disputed lands which will then be mapped via Geographic Information System further overseen by CAG
UPSC Relevance (GS-3): This use of technology parallels land reform efforts in India, offering a model for digitizing governance and cutting property conflicts.
4. Geopolitics (The Global Lens)
Bill stands subtle International implications. Remember how Nupur Sharma’s issue had comments from countries like Oman? Indian cases often find a mindspace in Islamic nations. Islamic nations observe India’s policies toward its 200 million-plus Muslim population (15% of the total), especially on religious matters like waqf.
UPSC Relevance (GS-2): Minority rights and religious policies shape India’s soft power on the global stage.
5. Social Impacts (The Community Beat)
The bill has stirred significant social unrest among India’s Muslim community. Groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind labeled it an “attack on autonomy.”
Fears of land grabs by the state
Urban Muslims debate transparency
Women inclusion is seen with a suspicious eye
UPSC Relevance (GS-1): This highlights social dynamics—religion, trust, and community tensions in modern India.
6. Technical Reasons (Why the Fuss?)
Waqf Act 1995 had flaws:
leading to encroachment of 60k+ properties
claims were laid even on the high profile places like Ambani’s residence
Final say on disputes with Waqf Tribunals, now with HC within 90 days
The boards lacked clear titles & accountability. This is thus addressed in the 2025 bill
Muslims w/ 5+ years of practice can declare waqf
Ends informal “waqf by user” claims based on long terms use
CAG or state audits for boards earning over ₹1,00,000/- annually
Clear aims are to curb corruption & mismanagement. This invited comments from MP Owaisi arguing it to be violation of Article 26 (religious freedom) and Article 14 (equality).
UPSC Relevance (GS-3): These technical changes overhaul waqf governance, tackling systemic issues head-on.
7. Economic Impacts (The Land Value)
Waqf properties span 9.4 lac acres
Valuation: ₹1.2 lakh crore
3rd only to Railways and Defence
The bill aims to unlock this potential for schools, hospitals, and community projects. Resolving encroachments (e.g., 28 waqf sites in Karnataka) could boost local economies, but ongoing litigation over 13,000 properties delays progress. Fines like the ₹50 crore imposed by the National Green Tribunal on NTPC in 2023 hint at the economic stakes.
UPSC Relevance (GS-3): This positions waqf land as both an economic asset and a legal burden.
8. Security (The Stability Stake)
Waqf disputes can spark unrest like that of Sambhal’s clash in November 2024, before the bill’s passage, killed four over a mosque survey. Clear ownership could weaken land mafias, as seen in Kutch’s reduced smuggling. In border states like Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, waqf clarity might ease communal tensions.
UPSC Relevance (GS-3): Property disputes affect national stability.
13. Worth It for UPSC?
Absolutely—the Waqf Bill is a UPSC treasure:
GS-1: History, society, culture: waqf’s roots and social rift.
GS-2: Polity, geopolitics: law, secularism, and global perception.
GS-3: Technology, economics, environment, security: land, wealth, and stability.
Essay: “Waqf Reform: Balancing Faith and Governance.”
Quick Mastery Recap
Waqf Bill: The 2024 amendment reworks the 1995 Act leading to rise in state control, weakened boards, start of digitization.
India: It affects 9.4 lakh acres and the reform promises efficiency while risking trust.
Big Picture: Land, faith, and law intersect which are UPSC’s interdisciplinary core.