KCBC Urges Kerala MPs to Back Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has called on the Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kerala to extend their full support to the Waqf Amendment Bill currently under consideration in the Indian Parliament. In an official statement issued by the KCBC, the council stressed the significance of the bill and its potential to bring much-needed reforms to the management and administration of Waqf properties in India.
The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to amend several provisions of the Waqf Act of 1995, with the aim of improving the efficiency and accountability of the Waqf boards across the country. The proposed amendments are seen as a crucial step toward streamlining the management of Waqf properties, ensuring that these assets are utilized for their intended purpose, and preventing misuse. The bill also aims to empower Waqf boards to make more transparent decisions and improve the functioning of the institutions that manage these properties.
In the wake of these developments, the KCBC has urged Kerala’s MPs, irrespective of their political affiliations, to back the bill when it comes to the floor of Parliament. The council highlighted the long-standing need for reforms in the Waqf system and emphasized that the bill would help to rectify certain issues that have hampered the effective management of Waqf assets.
KCBC’s statement further noted that while the bill addresses several important issues related to Waqf properties, it is equally essential that lawmakers from Kerala, particularly those representing constituencies with significant Muslim populations, understand the broader implications of the bill for the state’s social and economic well-being. The council emphasized that it is important for MPs to consider the positive outcomes the bill could bring to the management of community assets and welfare.
The call to action by the KCBC comes at a time when the Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked mixed reactions across various political and religious groups in the country. While some have voiced their support, citing the need for reforms, others have raised concerns about the potential for misuse of powers and the bill’s impact on the autonomy of Waqf boards.
KCBC has assured that the amendments proposed in the bill are not only in the interest of the Muslim community but also align with the broader goal of ensuring that community assets are managed in an accountable and transparent manner. The council’s appeal to MPs underscores the importance of setting aside political differences and working together for the common good.
As the Waqf Amendment Bill awaits further deliberation in Parliament, the KCBC’s plea adds to the growing calls for comprehensive reform of the Waqf system. The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council is now closely monitoring the progress of the bill and hopes that the MPs from Kerala will take a united stand in favor of the proposed amendments.
The final decision on the bill is expected to have a significant impact on the governance of Waqf properties in the country, and all eyes are now on the response from Kerala’s political representatives.