The North News
New Delhi, April 4
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the passage of two significant legislations—the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025—as a “watershed moment” in India’s pursuit of socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive development.
In a series of posts on social media platform X on Friday, Modi lauded the role of lawmakers and citizens in shaping the bills, which were passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week following intense debate. “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth,” he wrote. “This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.”
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Members of Parliament who contributed to the discussions in Parliament and its committees, as well as ordinary citizens who provided inputs. He said the process reaffirmed the value of extensive debate and public engagement in shaping legislation.
Critics of the Waqf system have long pointed to allegations of mismanagement and opacity. Modi highlighted that lack of accountability in the existing framework had disproportionately affected Muslim women and economically marginalised groups such as the Pasmanda Muslim community.
“For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims,” Modi said. “The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is intended to streamline the governance of Waqf properties, improve coordination between boards and local authorities, and ensure greater inclusivity in representation. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923, which was seen as outdated.
Modi said the new framework would usher in a modern, accountable approach sensitive to social justice, reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizen dignity and national inclusivity.
“We will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India,” he concluded.
