Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill as a "watershed moment", describing it as landmark achievement.
PM wrote on his microblogging website X, "The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by Parliament marks a "watershed moment" in the country's collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth."
"This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, is attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand and meeting with key regional leaders.
PM Modi also thanked the Members of Parliament who expressed their views and contributed to strengthening the Bill.
"A special thanks also to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed," he said.
"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. The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people's rights," he added.
"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," PM stated.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which faced stiff opposition from the Opposition was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The government says the bill will make the functioning of Waqf bodies more efficient and transparent.
However, the opposition has said it is an attack on the rights of minorities and accused the government of keeping an eye on Waqf properties.
