ThisisNews Network
New Delhi: In a series of significant legislative actions, the Indian Parliament has addressed two critical issues: the historic passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the confirmation of President’s Rule in Manipur.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: A Landmark Reform
On April 2, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following an extensive 12-hour debate. The bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Subsequently, in the early hours of April 4, the Rajya Sabha also approved the bill, with 128 members supporting and 95 opposing.
The legislation aims to enhance the management of Waqf properties by introducing measures to safeguard heritage sites, promote social welfare, and improve governance through increased transparency and streamlined coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities. Notably, the bill seeks to elevate the economic and social status of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorcees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the bill as a “watershed moment” in India’s pursuit of socio-economic justice and inclusive growth. He emphasized that the reforms would benefit marginalized groups within the Muslim community, including women and the Pasmanda Muslims, by addressing longstanding issues of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system.
President’s Rule in Manipur: Parliamentary Confirmation Amidst Ongoing Strife
In another significant development, the Rajya Sabha adopted a Statutory Resolution in the early hours of April 4, confirming the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. This decision came after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025, amid prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Upper House, acknowledging the loss of 260 lives due to the conflict, with the majority of casualties occurring in the initial weeks. He informed members that two meetings between the conflicting communities had already taken place in Manipur, with a third meeting planned in New Delhi to further peace efforts. Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and emphasized that the imposition of President’s Rule was a measure of last resort, necessitated by the absence of any party staking a claim to form the government following Singh’s resignation.
These parliamentary actions underscore the government’s approach to addressing complex issues of religious property management and regional governance, reflecting a balance between reform and intervention in pursuit of national stability and inclusivity.
