Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha after heated debate; gets 288 votes in favour, 232 against
Bill sparks political and religious tensions; govt says it is about property regulation, but Opposition sees it as an attack on minority rights PTC Web Desk: The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill in the early hours of Thursday after an intense 12-hour debate between the government and the Opposition. The Bill was approved by 288-232 votes around 2 am, with the government's numerical strength ensuring its passage. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha for further discussion. Key amendments in the Bill The Bill proposes significant changes to the 1995 Waqf Act, including: Non-Muslim Representation: The inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards. Property Donation Rules: Only those who have practiced Islam for at least five years can donate property to Waqf. Government Land Ownership: If a government property is identified as Waqf, it will cease to belong to the government, and the local Collector will decide owners...