Kiren Rijiju Defends Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha; Emphasizes Transparency And Empowerment

Summary

The speaker passionately argues against the opposition to a bill, emphasizing its importance for empowering millions of poor women and children, particularly from the Muslim community. They highlight the bill's alignment with constitutional provisions and Supreme Court rulings, addressing concerns about religious interference in governance. The speaker refutes objections, citing extensive consultations and the bill's potential to uplift marginalized groups, urging members to support it for the sake of justice and equality.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on millions of poor women and children before opposing the bill, highlighting the need for representation and justice for marginalized communities.
• 📜 The bill aims to admit and provide a platform for those who have been historically oppressed, including the Muslim community, and to address the issues of poverty and lack of opportunities faced by them.
• 🏛️ The speaker mentions that the bill does not violate any constitutional provisions or infringe upon the freedom of any religious body, ensuring it aligns with the principles of the constitution.
• 📝 The bill is presented as a response to the long-standing demands of the people, with an intention to correct historical injustices and provide a fair chance to those who have been disadvantaged.
• 📚 Reference is made to the 1976 Inquiry Report and the Sachar Committee Report, which highlighted the need for reforms in the Wakf system and the economic and social upliftment of the Muslim community.
• 🔍 The speaker criticizes the current Wakf system, pointing out issues such as mismanagement, lack of transparency, and the need for diversification of talent and administrative skills within the board.
• 👥 The importance of having diverse representation in the Wakf board is stressed, including women, to ensure a more inclusive and effective management of resources.
• 🙌 The speaker calls for support for the bill, asserting that it is a step towards justice and equality, and that members of the house should consider the broader implications of their vote.
• 🗳️ There is a mention of the political pressures and private conversations with various stakeholders, indicating a complex backdrop of interests and influences in the decision-making process.
• 📈 The bill is presented as a comprehensive legislative effort that has been carefully crafted after extensive consultations at various levels, aiming to address the concerns of the community.
• 📊 The speaker asserts that the bill will be recorded in history, noting the importance of the stance taken by each member of the house, either in support or opposition.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the bill being discussed in the script?

The main purpose of the bill is to address the concerns of millions of poor women and children, particularly in the Muslim community, by providing them with opportunities and rights that have been denied to them until now.

What is the speaker's stance on the bill?

The speaker is in support of the bill, believing that it will bring justice and opportunities to the underprivileged sections of society, and is urging the members of the house to consider its benefits before opposing it.

What historical context is provided regarding the bill?

The speaker mentions that the bill has a long history, with its origins dating back to the time of the British, and has undergone several amendments since its first introduction in 1954.

What is the significance of the Supreme Court case mentioned in the script?

The Supreme Court case of Brahmachari vs State of West Bengal is significant as it provided a clear ruling on religious denomination, which is relevant to the provisions of the bill under discussion.

What are the recommendations made by the Sachar Committee?

The Sachar Committee recommended broadening the base of the Wakf Board to include more members, ensuring representation of women in central and state Wakf boards, and prioritizing the welfare of women and children.

What is the speaker's argument regarding the consultation process for the bill?

The speaker argues that the bill has been thoroughly discussed and consulted upon at various levels, including official, political, and individual levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

What is the speaker's view on the diversity of talent needed for the Wakf Board?

The speaker believes that the Wakf Board should include talented and knowledgeable individuals with administrative skills to ensure its proper functioning and management.

What concerns are raised about the current state of the Wakf Board?

Concerns raised include the lack of proper management and audit of accounts, the concentration of property in the hands of a few, and the need for reform to improve the conditions for children and the underprivileged.

What is the speaker's response to the criticism regarding the bill's impact on minority communities?

The speaker defends the bill by stating that it aims to uplift the minority communities and provide them with justice, rather than marginalizing them.

What is the speaker's call to action for the members of the house?

The speaker calls upon the members of the house to support the bill, emphasizing that their support will bring blessings to millions and that they should consider the bill's potential benefits before opposing it.

What is the speaker's stance on the involvement of religion in the parliamentary process?

The speaker asserts that members of parliament should represent their constituents regardless of religion and that the parliamentary process should not be influenced by religious affiliations.