Watershed moment for socio-economic justice: PM Modi hails Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 and called it a watershed moment for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth in the country.

In a social media post on X, PM Modi said, "The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth."

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025 >

He further added, "This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity."

Parliament in the wee hours of Friday (April 4, 2025) cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 after a nearly 14-hour debate in Rajya Sabha, with 128 members voting in favour and 95 against.

In the Lok Sabha, the bill was supported by 288 MPs , while 232 voted against it.

According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.

As per the bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.

A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.

The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.

It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.