English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Union Cabinet approves revised Waqf Bill

The UMEED Bill aims to empower Waqf Boards, streamline administration, and address long-standing issues in the sector.

Published

on

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the revised Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The bill, now renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, is expected to be introduced in the upcoming second part of Parliament’s budget session.

The amendments aim to address challenges in the regulation and management of waqf properties, which are charitable or religious endowments made by Muslims for community benefit. These properties, often used for mosques, madrassas, graveyards, and orphanages, are considered inalienable and dedicated to God under Islamic tradition.

The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, adopted the draft report with 16 votes from the ruling coalition against 10 from opposition lawmakers. While amendments proposed by opposition MPs were rejected, those suggested by BJP and NDA members were incorporated into the bill.

Key Amendments in the Revised Bill:

  1. Women’s Representation: Two Muslim women will continue to serve as members in both the State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, ensuring their empowerment and participation in waqf management.
  2. OBC Inclusion: State Waqf Boards will now include one member from the Muslim OBC community, promoting broader representation.
  3. Separate Boards for Aghakhani and Bohra Communities: State governments may establish separate Waqf Boards for these communities to address their unique religious needs.
  4. Women’s Inheritance Rights: In family waqfs (Waqf Alal Aulad), women’s inheritance rights will be safeguarded. Property can only be dedicated after ensuring female heirs receive their rightful share.
  5. Recognition of Registered Waqf by User: Such waqf properties will continue to be recognized unless they are under dispute or owned by the government.
  6. Application of Limitation Act: The Limitation Act will apply to waqf-related cases from the commencement of this Act, ensuring timely resolution and reducing prolonged litigation.
  7. Online Registration: An online portal will automate the lifecycle management of waqf properties, streamlining registration and administration.
  8. Uploading Waqf Property Details: Waqf Boards must upload all property details on a central portal within six months, with extensions granted by the Waqf Tribunal on a case-by-case basis.
  9. Inquiry into Government Properties: If a government property is claimed as waqf, an officer above the rank of Collector will conduct an inquiry. Until the report is submitted, such properties will not be treated as waqf.
  10. Exclusion of Muslim Trusts: Trusts governed by trust laws but functioning similarly to waqf will be excluded from the Waqf Act, 1995, to prevent legal conflicts.
  11. Support for Vulnerable Groups: Income from family waqfs can be used to support widows, divorced women, and orphans if specified by the waqif.
  12. Appeal to High Court: The finality of tribunal decisions has been removed, allowing aggrieved parties to appeal to the High Court within 90 days.
  13. Online Registration Certificates: Waqf property registration certificates will be issued through the online portal.

The revised bill reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the management, efficiency, and development of waqf properties while ensuring transparency and inclusivity. The UMEED Bill aims to empower Waqf Boards, streamline administration, and address long-standing issues in the sector.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com