Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, on Saturday (February 15, 2025) said the amendments proposed through the Waqf Bill were for the “welfare of poor Muslims and not to grab the Waqf property”, while exuding confidence about the support from ally Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Speaking at an event titled ‘Budget Pe Charcha’ in Srinagar, Mr. Rijiju advocated amendments to Waqf rules. “These amendments are not aimed to take away Waqf property but for efficient management. Why should a poor Muslim seek alms outside a Waqf property? The Waqf has huge property across the country but the benefits do not reach to poor Muslims,” Mr. Rijiju said.  

The Union Minister said both Mr. Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Mr. Kumar of the Janata Dal (United), support the Bill. “Several Muslim MPs have also backed the bill. Many Muslim MPs said they have no objections and have privately expressed their approval to me,” Mr. Rijiju said.

Notwithstanding the reservations put forth by the Opposition parties, the Union Minister said, “His Ministry has received feedback from the Muslim community regarding the proposed amendments, including women. The changes were aimed at improving transparency in Waqf property management, ultimately serving the best interests of the community.”

Mr. Rijiju also paid a visit to the Dargah Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. He reviewed the ongoing development works at the shrine. He was accompanied by Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, BJP leader and chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board.

“The J&K Waqf Board’s development initiatives at Hazratbal and other shrines are commendable and can serve as a model for religious sites across India,” the Minister said.

Earlier in the day, the Minister chaired an “insightful discussion” on the Union Budget 2025. It was attended by local business leaders, industry representatives, and community members.

“A wide array of stakeholders from various sectors actively participated in the discussion. Representatives from the Hotel Association, Houseboat Owners Association, Industries & Commerce Association, Tour & Travel Association, Saffron Growers Association, Shawl Weavers Association, Fruit Growers Association, and Farmers Association, along with party workers and other local business entities, were present at the meeting. Their participation underscored the broad spectrum of economic interests tied to the budget’s impact,” a BJP spokesman said.

The spokesman said the issues discussed included implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, the revival of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), rehabilitation plans for houseboat owners, and conservation measures for Kashmir’s wetlands. 

The Union Minister, while acknowledging the crucial role played by the tourism and handicrafts industries in J&K’s economy, said the government would explore policy measures to support these sectors further. 

Mr. Rijiju emphasised on the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, particularly focusing on wetland preservation and houseboat rehabilitation. “The government is keen on promoting eco-friendly tourism policies while ensuring the livelihood of local communities remains secure,” he added.

The interaction in Srinagar was part of a nationwide outreach initiative to engage stakeholders in discussions on the Viksit Bharat Budget 2025.