Mr. Prime Minister.. Why are you silent about the Anti-Conversion Bill? : Ex-governor Margaret Alva
Bengaluru: Expressing fear against the attempt to enforce the anti-conversion bill in the state, Former Governor Margaret Alva has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Elucidating on the rising attacks against the minorities happening in Karnataka, she has also objected to the government’s inaction.
In the four-page letter, the Congress leader has questioned the nation’s leader on the country’s happenings and said, “Mister Prime Minister… how can you close your eyes and remain silent when atrocities in India’s minorities are mounting?”
“Your silence Mr. Prime Minister, is misread as tacit approval and encouragement to the ever increasing violence and intimidation India’s minorities are being subjected to. When will you speak up and put a stop to this madness and violence?”
“’ The Karnataka Protection of Right of Freedom of Religion Bill’ has provisions that have been previously struck down by courts and are clearly violative of the Indian Constitution. It makes all minorities, our institutions, practices, services, and charities suspect” she details in the letter.
The Bill is yet to receive approval at the Vidhana Parishad level. The proposed bill intends to take away personal liberties of privacy, religion, marriage, and decision making. Is this the India we have struggled over 70 years, to build? she questioned.
My letter to the PM, New Year’s Eve 2022. pic.twitter.com/4mibJTJ0ev
— Margaret Alva (@alva_margaret) January 10, 2022
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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.
