Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Thailand, on April 3, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Hours after the passage of Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (April 4, 2025) called it a “watershed moment”.
“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 social-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Mr. Modi further added: “Gratitude to all Members of Parliament who participated in the Parliamentary and Committee discussions, voiced their perspective and contributed to the strengbthening of these legislations. A special thanks also to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed.”
The Prime Minister wrote, “For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims. The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights.”
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Mr. Modi said “We will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India.”
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Parliament in the wee hours of Friday morning had cleared the Bill, after nearly 14-hour debate in Rajya Sabha by 128 members voting in favour and 95 against.
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (amendment) Bill well past midnight on Wednesday after a marathon 12-hour-long debate, with Home Minister Amit Shah categorically assuring the Muslim community that the new Bill does not interfere with their religious practices.
Published – April 04, 2025 08:31 am IST