Watershed moment, says Modi as Rajya Sabha passes Waqf bill
The Waqf bill, after a smooth passage through Lok Sabha, breezed through the Rajya Sabha 24 hours later, after yet another marathon debate.
On its way, it exposed a chink in the armour of the parties opposing the bill. The voting was 128 votes in favour of the bill and 95 against.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by Parliament marks a “watershed moment” in the country’s collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.
The Prime Minister, who is visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka, said the new legislation will particularly help “those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity”.
The Prime Minister thanked members of Parliament who voiced their perspectives and contributed to strengthening the legislation. “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,” he said.
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, he added.