ITANAGAR Apr 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh organized  a State Level Seminar on Waqf Sudhar Janjagaran Abhiyan held at State BJP headquarters Itanagar today.
Kento Jini, Minister for Law, Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal affairs spoke on the Waqf (Amendment) and its benefits, emphasising the significant reforms and benefits introduced under the new legislation. He credited the strengthening of the Waqf Act of 1995 to the proactive steps taken by the BJP Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jini highlighted that the previous Waqf Act contained draconian and one-sided provisions, notably Section 40, which allowed Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare any property—including those belonging to Hindus—as Waqf property. This placed the burden of proof on the actual property owners. He lauded the 2025 amendment for removing Section 40 altogether and for introducing the requirement of public notice prior to such declarations, thereby safeguarding property rights and ensuring transparency. Further, Jini underlined two key ways in which the new Act empowers women: It mandates that income from Waqf properties be utilized for the maintenance of widows, divorced women, and orphans, thereby extending support to vulnerable groups. It ensures that family endowments (Waqf-alal-aulad) cannot be misused to deny rightful inheritance to legitimate heirs.The Act also acknowledges the rights of individuals with lawful claims, addressing significant gaps in earlier legislations.
Jini stressed that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 aims to modernize Waqf governance, eliminate arbitrary provisions of the original Act and the 2013 UPA Amendment, and is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas". The reforms are geared towards ensuring inclusive development, promoting good governance, and optimizing the use of Waqf properties, especially in the interest of marginalized communities, including women.
Arunachal Pradesh BJP State President Kaling Moyong strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of 25 people, including Tage Hailyang of the Indian Air Force (IAF), a native of Arunachal Pradesh.
Describing the attack as a heinous act by divisive forces, Moyong said such violence aims to derail India’s steady march towards greatness. He asserted that no compromise should be made when it comes to punishing such acts of terror. Moyong expressed confidence that under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India will deliver a befitting reply to those behind this attack.
In a detailed briefing, Moyong also addressed the governance failure and mismanagement of the Waqf Board, citing findings from the Sachar Committee Report (2006). He stated that although there are over 4 lakh registered Waqf properties generating just Rs 164 crore annually, their marketable value could potentially yield up to Rs 12,000 crore per year.
He further referred to updated data from the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WASMI), which shows 8,72,320 Waqf properties currently under registration. Moyong emphasized that the expected annual returns now could be far higher than the estimates from 2006, underscoring the need for improved Waqf governance.
He lauded the central government for introducing the Waqf Act 2025, commending PM Modi's commitment to modernize Waqf governance, ensure equitable use of community resources, and uphold the rights of lawful property owners. However, he noted that there have been some concerns and opposition, including from 600 families in Kerala, regarding the amended Act. Moyong expressed regret over the opposition and urged BJP karyakartas to spread awareness about the Waqf Act 2025 at the grassroots level, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the reforms and their potential benefits.
Legislator Ninong Ering also spoke among others.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List