New Delhi: The Union Minority Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on 8th August. These proposed changes have sparked controversy, with several community leaders, activists, opposition figures, and legal experts raising concerns about potential misuse and threats to minority rights. A joint parliamentary committee has been established to review the proposed amendments, consisting of 31 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The committee has invited written suggestions from the public, NGOs, and experts.
In light of this, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) released an explainer addressing the Waqf Amendment Bill. Among its claims, the PIB stated that several Islamic countries, including Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq, do not have Waqf properties. This claim was widely circulated on social media.
However, upon investigation, the claim was found to be inaccurate. Research on these countries revealed that Waqf properties are present in Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Tunisia. Government websites and official documents confirm the existence and management of Waqf properties in these nations.
For instance, in Turkey, the Directorate General of Foundations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism oversees Waqf properties. Similarly, in Libya and Egypt, respective government bodies manage Waqf matters. In Jordan, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs handles these affairs, while Lebanon’s Dar Al-Fatwa supervises Waqf-related matters. Iraq has separate offices for Sunni and Shia Waqfs, overseeing their respective endowments.
Source: Alt News
Fact check:
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) October 16, 2024
The claim by the Union government's Press Information Bureau (PIB) that countries like Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia etc have no Waqf system is FALSE. Read https://t.co/6YotfftkLX https://t.co/sn71luCt3L pic.twitter.com/PZo1KWZibk
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New Delhi (PTI): When Sanjiv Suryavanshi sold his farm land to fund his 10-year-old son Vaibhav's cricketing aspirations, little did he know that within three years the boy would be scripting history.
During the second and final day of the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Vaibhav, at 13 years and eight months, became the youngest cricketer ever to be picked by a franchise as Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 1.10 crore.
Sanjiv, who owned farm land in his native Motipur village which is 15kms from Samastipur town in Bihar, was lost for words.
"Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura Bihar ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son now but entire Bihar's son)," Sanjiv told PTI over phone as his son is currently in Dubai for the U-19 Asia Cup.
"My son has worked hard. At the age of 8 years, he excelled at U-16 district trials. I would take him for his cricket coaching to Samastipur and then take him back," he recalled the days of hardships.
So were his finances in place as cricket is an investment?
"Not just investment, it's big investment. Aapko kya bataye humne toh apna zameen tak bech diya. Abhi bhi halat pura sudhra nahi (I have sold my land. Financial issues are still there)."
When asked about the controversies regarding Vaibhav's actual age which many believe is 15 years, the father was quick to clarify.
"When he was 8 and half years old he first appeared for BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don't fear anyone. He can again undergo age test," he sounded defiant.
Sanjiv said that Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary's "blessings" have always helped Vaibhav in his journey.
"Rakesh ji ka ashirwaad raha hai bahoot (Rakesh ji's blessings are there)."
His base price in the auction was Rs. 30 lakh and Delhi Capitals made the opening bid. RR entered the fray at Rs. 35 lakh and eventually got the better of DC to get the player on board.
So how did this bidding war happened?
"Rajasthan Royals had called him for trials in Nagpur. Vikram Rathour sir (batting coach) gave a match situation where he had to score 17 in an over. Bituwa ne 3 chakka mara. Trials mein aat chakka aur char chauwaa mara (He smashed three sixes. At trials, he hit eight sixes and four fours)," the father claimed proudly.
For a 13-year-old, it can be very difficult to understand what it means to earn a crore. So how does he plan to keep his young son away from monetary discussions?
"He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore," Sanjiv said.
BCA lauds selection
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BCA president Tiwary was all praise for the prodigy after his 1.10 crore bid for RR.
"Vaibhav Suryavanshi's incredible achievement at such a young age fills us with immense pride," Tiwary said in a statement.
"His journey from Bihar to the IPL is a reflection of his talent, hard work, and determination. The Bihar Cricket Association has always believed in nurturing young talent, and Vaibhav's success highlights the cricketing potential in our state.
"We are confident he will continue to shine and inspire aspiring cricketers across Bihar and beyond. I congratulate Vaibhav and his family."