Union Minister Kiren Rijiju engages with Indian Community in Riyadh, highlights key initiatives
Riyadh: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh hosted an Indian Community Interaction Program on January 11, 2025, at its auditorium in the Diplomatic Quarter. The event, attended by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, brought together Indian community members, embassy officials, and dignitaries.
Minister Rijiju was welcomed with a traditional Himachali cap and shawl, symbolising India's cultural richness. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, shared the stage with the Minister.
In his address, Rijiju highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in trade, education, technology, and culture. He recognised the contributions of the 2.6 million Indians in Saudi Arabia and their role in enhancing the relationship between the two nations.
A significant part of the Minister's speech focused on the preparations for Hajj 2025. He announced an increase in the Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims and outlined new measures to improve the experience for elderly pilgrims, women, and others. These efforts include enhanced travel, accommodation, and healthcare facilities in collaboration with Saudi authorities, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable pilgrimage.
Rijiju also touched on India's rising global stature, noting how India has transformed into a global center of power, with strong ties to nearly every nation. He expressed pride in the positive shift in global perceptions of India and its people.
The Minister commended the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah for their exceptional work, particularly in managing one of the busiest workloads among Indian missions worldwide, including processing around 600 passports daily. He also praised the Embassy's active involvement in promoting bilateral relations.
The evening featured cultural performances by students from Indian International Schools in Riyadh, showcasing India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. Rijiju expressed appreciation for the students' performances, highlighting the importance of respecting all Indian languages.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to competition winners, leaving attendees inspired by their shared cultural roots. Dinesh Setia, First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, served as the master of ceremonies, ensuring the smooth flow of the program.
The Indian community in Riyadh expressed their gratitude to Rijiju for his inspiring vision and the Embassy for hosting a memorable evening.
(Inputs from Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh)
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
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.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
