Madrasas turned into shelters for Kodagu victims
Classes shifted for distressed people
Madikeri, August 29: The Madrasas in the district have turned into shelters for hundreds of people who have lost everything due to flood and landslides. Irrespective of any differences, the people from all castes and religions have got shelter under one roof and thus, it has become a place for harmony.
A number of villages were devastated in the natural disaster and among them, 20 per cent of the villagers were wiped out literally. Hundreds of people from various wards in the city have camped in the Madrasa of the Al-Masjid-ul Rifai masjid at Azad Nagar in which total 182 people from 73 families were given shelter. Under the leadership of councilor Mansoor, many cadres have been working as volunteers and serving the distressed people.
“We have treated the victims as our guests by providing food, cloths, hot water and other facilities to the people who have come from various places”, said Mansoor.
People from different wards came in search of the shelter when they lost their houses due to landslides. At that moment, he spoke to the chairman of the masjid and appealed him to make arrangements for staying. Responding to his request, the masjid president had immediately shifted the benches and desks to other place to pave way for the victims. Even now, victims were coming to the relief camp. Though there was shortage of space, they were trying to accommodate them. As a family of physically challenged persons found it difficult to stay in the camp due to cold, they were given accommodation in a nearby lodge, Mansoor said.
‘We have nothing after the only house was collapsed’
“Our house at Indira Nagar of the city was damaged when a tree fell on it. Later, the entire house was washed out in the flood. My husband died two months ago due to illness and now, I don’t have father and mother”, said Annu who is staying in the relief camp at Madrasa.
“I have been working in the government hospital and bringing up my children. As the house was washed away in the flood, all the records and documents were also destroyed. Currently, I don’t have anything. I will be happy if the government gives me a house. Otherwise, if any donors help me, I will live my entire life recalling their help. People have given us good facility including food, clothes and other facilities at the Madrasa”, he said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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.
