1) SC’s Move to Publicly Disclose Judges’ Assets

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Judicial Transparency

Why is it in the news?

• In a significant move towards transparency, the Supreme Court has decided that its judges will soon begin publicly disclosing their assets. This landmark decision was taken during a full court meeting held on April 1. The development comes in the wake of a recent incident where large sums of cash were discovered at a judge’s residence, raising serious concerns about corruption within the judiciary.
• The incident has intensified public demand for greater accountability and has renewed the call for mandatory asset disclosures by judges — a practice that, until now, has remained largely voluntary. Unlike politicians and government officials, judges are currently not legally bound to declare their assets publicly, but this could soon change.

Past Supreme Court Resolutions on Judges’ Assets

• In 1997, the Supreme Court, under then Chief Justice J S Verma, adopted a resolution requiring judges to declare their assets to the Chief Justice. This resolution mandated judges to disclose real estate, investments, and assets held by their spouses or dependents. However, this declaration was meant only for the Chief Justice and not for public access.
• In 2009, the Supreme Court decided to publish judges’ asset declarations on its website, though on a voluntary basis. The website displayed these declarations from November 2009, with some High Courts following suit. However, updates stopped in 2018, and the site now only lists 28 of the 33 sitting judges who have submitted their declarations to the Chief Justice.
• Past declarations have also been removed, despite the Supreme Court ruling in 2019 that judges’ assets are not “personal information” and should be accessible under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

High Courts and Asset Disclosure

• India’s High Courts have shown reluctance in disclosing judges’ assets. As of March 1, 2024, there were 770 High Court judges, but only 97 (less than 13%) have publicly disclosed their assets. These judges belong to seven High Courts: Delhi, Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madras, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• Most other High Courts oppose public disclosure. In 2012, the Uttarakhand High Court passed a resolution objecting to bringing judges’ asset disclosure under the RTI Act.
• Given this lack of transparency, Parliament’s Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law and Justice recommended in 2023 that a law be enacted to mandate the disclosure of Supreme Court and High Court judges’ assets. However, no progress has been made on this recommendation.

Asset Disclosure by Public Servants and Politicians

• Unlike judges, government officials and elected representatives are generally required to declare their assets publicly. The RTI Act (2005) has played a crucial role in ensuring transparency by mandating officials to declare their assets to their cadre-controlling authorities, with many states like Gujarat, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh enforcing strict provisions.
• At the central level, Union Ministers, including the Prime Minister, submit their asset declarations to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), which publishes them online. Many state governments follow similar practices. MPs submit declarations to the Speaker (for Lok Sabha) or the House Chairperson (for Rajya Sabha). While these are not automatically made public, they can often be accessed through RTI applications.
• Moreover, since a 2002 Supreme Court ruling, all candidates contesting elections for Parliament or State Assemblies must publicly declare their assets and liabilities in their nomination papers. These declarations are highly detailed, and even minor errors can lead to disqualification from elections.

2) The Importance of Undersea Cables for India

GS 3: Economy: Global internet connectivity

Why is it in the news?

• India is gradually expanding its undersea cable network, with new cable landing systems coming online. Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls system, backed by Meta, recently added 100 terabits per second of capacity to India’s international bandwidth.
• Earlier this year, the SEA-ME-WE-6 cable was landed in Chennai and Mumbai, further strengthening connectivity.

What Are Undersea Cables?

• Undersea cables are the backbone of global internet connectivity, linking internet service providers and telecom operators across countries. These heavily padded cables, a few inches thick, contain fibre optic strands that carry massive volumes of data at high speeds.
• They make landfall at designated “landing points,” where they connect to inland “landing stations,” making them accessible to major networks. These cables are crucial to global communication and trade.

India’s Undersea Cable Network

• India has two primary cable landing hubs: Mumbai and Chennai. Nearly 95% of subsea cables terminate in a small six-kilometer patch in Versova, Mumbai. Many Chennai-connected cables also land in Mumbai.
• Currently, 17 international cable systems land in India, along with two domestic cable networks—Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Islands (CANI) and the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands project.
• While these cables currently serve India’s internet traffic adequately, experts warn that rapid data growth may soon require additional capacity. Further, experts cautions that while existing infrastructure suffices now, future demands may surpass available capacity.

Risks in India’s Undersea Cable Network

• India remains vulnerable due to its limited number of cable landing points. More cables land in Singapore—a small city-state—than in all of India, increasing the risks of connectivity disruptions.
• A significant concern is the potential impact of cable cuts in the Red Sea, which could disrupt up to 25% of India’s internet traffic. Past incidents, such as the 2022 cable cuts in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait due to Houthi rebel strikes, highlight this vulnerability.
• While excess capacity in alternate networks has prevented major internet failures so far, a large-scale disruption affecting multiple cables could severely impact connectivity. Historically, undersea cables have followed old maritime trade routes, making them more susceptible to damage from shipping activities.

Strengthening India’s Subsea Cable Infrastructure

• One of the major challenges in expanding India’s undersea cable infrastructure is excessive regulatory hurdles. Currently, laying a new cable requires over 51 permissions from various agencies, including the Department of Telecom, Home Ministry, Environment Ministry, and local authorities. This bureaucratic complexity significantly delays projects.
• Further, a senior Meta executive, highlights that most of the effort in laying new cables is spent navigating regulatory approvals in territorial waters, rather than on the actual undersea installation. Streamlining these regulations could accelerate cable deployment and improve connectivity.
• Another critical challenge is the security and maintenance of these cables. Fishing trawlers frequently damage cables, leading to service disruptions.
• Moreover, India lacks dedicated subsea cable repair vessels, relying on foreign ships that require lengthy clearance processes.

Conclusion

• India’s undersea cable network is essential for its digital economy, but vulnerabilities in connectivity and regulatory inefficiencies need urgent attention.
• By expanding landing sites, streamlining regulations, and investing in repair capabilities, India can strengthen its global internet infrastructure and reduce risks of large-scale disruptions.

3) Seaweed: A Nutritional Powerhouse from the Ocean

GS 3: Economy: Building a Sustainable Blue Economy

Context

• India, with its 7,500 km long coastline, is uniquely positioned to harness the ocean’s untapped wealth. Beyond fisheries, one emerging avenue is seaweed farming, a sustainable and profitable livelihood option for coastal communities.
• Seaweed, a marine plant found in shallow waters, doesn’t require land or freshwater to grow. It is an eco-friendly crop used in food, cosmetics, fertilizers, and medicine.
• With its ease of cultivation and high nutritional value, seaweed is gaining popularity globally as a health food, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and known for helping prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart ailments, and high blood pressure, while also boosting immunity.

Industrial Applications of Seaweed

• Seaweed’s value extends beyond food. It serves as a source for gelling and thickening agents used across industries.
• Alginate, extracted from brown seaweeds, is worth approximately US$ 213 million and is used in food products, cosmetics, and medical items.
• Agar, obtained from red seaweeds, is valued at US$ 132 million and commonly used in desserts, jams, and scientific labs.
• Carrageenan, derived from red seaweeds like Irish Moss, is a US$ 240 million industry used in dairy, ice cream, and toothpaste.
• Historically, seaweed has been consumed in Japan since the 4th century and in China since the 6th century. Today, China, Japan, and South Korea are the leading consumers.
• Globally, the seaweed industry, which includes food and industrial products, is valued at around US$ 5.6 billion and is projected to reach US$ 11.8 billion by 2030, according to the World Bank.

Seaweed Farming in India: A New Frontier

• India is home to around 844 species of seaweed, with about 60 being commercially valuable. Recognizing seaweed’s potential to address nutritional deficiency and promote rural livelihoods, the government and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) are pushing this sector forward.
• In June 2020, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), allocating ₹20,050 crore to boost the fisheries sector, with ₹640 crore dedicated specifically to seaweed farming between 2020 and 2025. Of this, ₹194.09 crore is allocated for key initiatives such as establishing a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and a Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman and Diu.
• The scheme has already approved 46,095 rafts and 65,330 monocline tubenets, aiming to increase India’s seaweed production to 1.12 million tonnes in the next five years.

Environmental and Agricultural Benefits

• Seaweed farming presents numerous environmental and economic advantages. One key benefit is its use as a bio-stimulant in farming. These natural substances enhance crop yield, strengthen plants, and improve soil health without directly providing nutrients. Biostimulants like seaweed help plants resist stress and are regulated in India under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.
• Since 2015-16, seaweed-based fertilizers have been promoted under schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the Northeast (MOVCDNER), supporting organic farming practices.

Seaweed as an Eco-friendly Climate Solution

• Ecologically, seaweed farming is highly sustainable. It combats climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, purifies ocean water, and creates habitats for marine life.
• Economically, it provides an alternative source of income, especially for fishing communities. For instance, cultivating Kappaphycus alvarezii can yield up to ₹13.28 lakh per hectare annually.
• Seaweed’s role in producing biofuels and fertilizers further increases its value in international markets, helping India boost foreign exchange earnings.

Key Seaweed Developments in India

Scientific Innovation: Tissue Culture for Seaweed

• To support commercial farming, the CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) introduced a tissue culture technique for mass-producing Kappaphycus alvarezii. This species is valued for carrageenan production, used in the food, pharma, and cosmetic sectors.
• Tissue-cultured seedlings were distributed to farmers in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, and Tuticorin districts of Tamil Nadu. As a result, farmers produced 30 tonnes of seaweed in just two growing cycles, with a 20–30% increase in growth and improved carrageenan quality. This innovation is expected to accelerate commercial-scale seaweed farming in India.

Conclusion

• Seaweed farming offers a transformative path for India’s coastal economy. It supports job creation, empowers women, promotes sustainability, and helps fight climate change. While challenges such as climate vulnerability and limited market access remain, initiatives like PMMSY and the Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu provide crucial support.
• With continued government investment, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, seaweed farming can become a cornerstone of India’s blue economy and a beacon for sustainable coastal development.

4) Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025: The History of Waqf in India

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Towards a Transparent and Equitable Waqf System

Introduction

• Waqf is defined as the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for purposes recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable. India has been working to regulate and protect Waqf properties due to their religious, social, and economic significance.
• The first major law, the Waqf Act of 1954, laid the foundation for managing these properties. Over time, laws have been updated to improve governance and prevent misuse.
• The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, aims to increase transparency, strengthen management, and protect Waqf assets, aligning with global best practices.

Administrative Framework for Waqf Management

The Waqf Act of 1995, enforced by the Central Government, currently regulates Waqf properties. The key administrative bodies include:

• Central Waqf Council (CWC) – Advises the government and State Waqf Boards on policy but does not directly control Waqf properties.
• State Waqf Boards (SWBs) – Manage and protect Waqf properties in each state.
• Waqf Tribunals – Exclusive judicial bodies that handle disputes related to Waqf properties.

This system ensures better management and faster resolution of issues. Over the years, legal changes have made Waqf administration more transparent, efficient, and accountable.

Evolution of Waqf Laws in India

Several laws have regulated Waqf properties over the years to improve administration and prevent mismanagement:

Early Laws

• Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913: Allowed Muslims to create Waqfs for family benefit, eventually leading to charitable purposes. However, it had limited effectiveness.
• Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923: Introduced rules for proper accounting and transparency in Waqf management.
• Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1930: Strengthened the legal validity of family Waqfs, giving legal backing to the 1913 Act.

Post-Independence Developments

• Waqf Act, 1954: Established State Waqf Boards (SWBs) for the first time to oversee Waqf properties and strengthened Waqf management after India’s independence. It also created the Central Waqf Council of India in 1964 to supervise State Waqf Boards.
• Amendments to the Waqf Act, 1954 (1959, 1964, 1969, and 1984): These amendments aimed to further improve Waqf property administration.

Comprehensive Legal Framework

• Waqf Act, 1995: Repealed the 1954 Act and its amendments. It defined the powers and functions of the Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, and Chief Executive Officer. It also introduced Waqf Tribunals, which have powers similar to civil courts, and ruled that tribunal decisions are final and cannot be challenged in civil courts.
• Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013: Introduced key changes, including the formation of three-member Waqf Tribunals, mandatory inclusion of two women members on each State Waqf Board, prohibition of Waqf property sales, and an increase in lease periods from 3 to 30 years for better utilization.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to modernize Waqf administration, reduce legal disputes, and improve efficiency. It addresses shortcomings in the 1995 Act and the 2013 Amendment while ensuring fairer and more transparent management.

Government Schemes for Waqf Property Development

The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) is implementing two key schemes for automating and modernizing State Waqf Boards:

• Quami Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS): Provides Government Grants-in-Aid (GIA) to State Waqf Boards through CWC for digitizing records and improving administration.
• Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY): Offers interest-free loans to Waqf Boards and institutions for developing commercial projects on Waqf properties.

Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, Rs. 23.87 crore and Rs. 7.16 crore were spent under QWBTS and SWSVY, respectively.

Overview of Waqf Properties in India

• According to the WAMSI portal, 30 States/UTs and 32 Boards have reported a total of 8.72 lakh Waqf properties, covering an area of more than 38 lakh acres. Of these, 4.02 lakh properties are classified as Waqf by user.
• However, for the remaining Waqf properties, only 9279 Ownership Rights Establishing Documents (deeds) have been uploaded, and merely 1083 Waqf deeds are available online.

State-Wise Distribution of Waqf Properties

The data on the number of Waqf properties and their total land area across different states highlights significant variations. Some key figures include:

• Karnataka: 62,830 properties covering 5,96,516 acres.
• Madhya Pradesh: 33,472 properties spanning 6,79,072 acres.
• Tamil Nadu: 66,092 properties covering 6,55,003 acres.
• Jammu and Kashmir: 32,533 properties over 3,50,300 acres.
• Uttar Pradesh (Sunni Waqf Board): 2,17,161 properties (area data unavailable).

Conclusion

• The evolution of Waqf laws from 1913 to 2024 demonstrates India’s efforts to protect and manage Waqf properties for public benefit while ensuring efficient administration.
• Each legal development has aimed to address contemporary challenges while preserving the fundamental purpose of Waqf endowments.
• The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, is a significant step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Waqf management.

5) The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Benefits of the Bill

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Towards a Transparent and Equitable Waqf System

Introduction

• ‘Waqf’ is a concept rooted in Islamic laws and traditions. It refers to an endowment made by a Muslim for charitable or religious purposes, such as constructing mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public welfare institutions.
• A unique feature of Waqf is its inalienability—meaning the property cannot be sold, gifted, inherited, or encumbered. Once the property is divested from the waqif (the person creating the waqf), it is considered to be vested in God. Since God is eternal, the waqf property is also deemed everlasting in Islamic belief.

Addressing Longstanding Issues in Waqf Governance

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to resolve multiple legacy issues in the administration of Waqf properties. These include:

• Lack of transparency in property management
• Incomplete surveys and non-mutation of Waqf land records
• Absence of strong provisions for women’s inheritance rights
• Surge in litigation—from 10,381 pending cases in 2013 to 21,618 in 2025
• Excessive powers of Waqf Boards to declare any property as Waqf land based solely on internal inquiries
• Frequent disputes over government land being declared as Waqf
• Poor auditing and accounting systems
• Administrative inefficiencies in managing Waqf assets
• Improper treatment and protection of trust properties
• Inadequate stakeholder representation in Central and State Waqf institutions

Modernizing the Waqf Act: Focus of the 2025 Amendment Bill

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to bring efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness in Waqf property management. It emphasizes safeguarding heritage sites, respecting individual property rights, and expanding the social role of Waqf institutions.

Non-Muslim and Government Properties Declared as Waqf: A Rising Concern

• There has been growing controversy over the declaration of non-Muslim and government-owned lands as Waqf. As per September 2024 data, a total of 5,973 government properties across 25 States/UTs have been declared Waqf properties.

Examples include:

• Bihar: In Govindpur village, the Bihar Sunni Waqf Board claimed ownership over an entire village, affecting seven families. The case is pending in the Patna High Court.
• Kerala: Around 600 Christian families in Ernakulam are contesting a Waqf claim over their ancestral lands, which is under Joint Parliamentary Committee review.
• Karnataka: In 2024, protests erupted after the Waqf Board declared 15,000 acres in Vijayapura as Waqf land. Similar disputes were reported in Ballari, Chitradurga, Yadgir, and Dharwad. The government assured that no evictions would occur.
• Uttar Pradesh: Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have been raised against the State Waqf Board.

Disputed Claims: Observations by the Parliamentary Committee

The Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill (JCWAB) received several complaints regarding unauthorized Waqf claims:

• Karnataka (1975 & 2020): 40 properties were notified as Waqf, including farmlands, graveyards, temples, lakes, and government lands.
• Punjab: The Waqf Board claimed land owned by the Education Department in Patiala.
• Delhi: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) reported in September 2024 that 108 properties under the Land and Development Office, 130 under the Delhi Development Authority, and 123 public domain properties were declared as Waqf, leading to litigation.

Empowering Muslim Women: A Major Reform Objective

The Bill aims to enhance the status of Muslim women, especially widows and divorcees, by:

• Promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and financial independence
• Digitizing Waqf records to reduce corruption and improve transparency
• Establishing legal aid centers to handle family disputes and inheritance matters
• Supporting cultural preservation and interfaith dialogue

Waqf resources will be directed towards:

• Scholarships for Muslim girls
• Healthcare and maternity welfare
• Skill development and microfinance for women entrepreneurs
• Vocational training in fashion design, healthcare, and entrepreneurship
• Legal aid for inheritance and domestic violence cases
• Pension schemes for widows

Using Waqf for Uplifting the Poor

Waqf institutions are crucial for social welfare, especially for the poor. However, mismanagement and encroachments have limited their effectiveness. The Amendment seeks to correct this through:

Digitization for Accountability:

• A centralized digital portal will help monitor and manage Waqf properties
• Audits and accounting systems will prevent misuse of funds

Enhanced Revenue and Services:

• Preventing encroachments will improve revenue generation
• Funds will be directed toward health, education, housing, and livelihoods for weaker sections
• Regular inspections will boost transparency and public confidence

Resolving Administrative and Coordination Gaps

The Bill also addresses systemic issues by:

• Improving coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities
• Enhancing transparency in property management
• Ensuring that stakeholder rights are respected

Inclusive Governance: Representing All Muslim Sects

To improve inclusivity and decision-making, the Bill mandates broader representation within Waqf Boards:

• One member each from Bohra and Aghakhani communities in States/UTs where they manage functional Auqaf
• Representation of backward classes among Muslims
• Inclusion of two or more elected members from municipalities or Panchayats
• Two non-Muslim members (excluding ex-officio members) will also be part of the Board and Central Waqf Council (CWC), strengthening secular governance

Conclusion

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, establishes a secular, transparent, and accountable framework for Waqf governance. While Waqf properties serve religious and charitable functions, their management requires strong legal and institutional mechanisms.
• The role of the Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council is regulatory—not religious—and should uphold public interest. Through structured reforms, inclusive representation, and improved coordination, the Bill lays the foundation for modern, fair, and efficient administration of Waqf in India.

6) Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Towards a Transparent and Equitable Waqf System

Context

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, now renamed as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, has been passed in the Lok Sabha.
• Additionally, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, has also been approved, repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

Background

• In 2024, two bills were introduced: the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.
• The objective of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to improve the management of Waqf properties, enhance the administration of Waqf Boards, and increase efficiency.
• Meanwhile, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, aims to repeal the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, ensuring uniformity, transparency, and accountability in Waqf property management under the Waqf Act, 1995, while eliminating inconsistencies caused by the older law.

Meaning and Origin of Waqf

• Waqf refers to properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Once dedicated, these properties cannot be sold or used for any other purpose, as ownership is considered to be transferred to Allah, making it irrevocable.
• The person who creates the Waqf is known as a wakif, and the property is managed by a mutawalli. The concept of Waqf traces back to the Delhi Sultanate when Sultan Muizuddin Sam Ghaor dedicated villages to the Jama Masjid of Multan.
• The institution of Waqf expanded significantly with the rise of Islamic dynasties in India. The Mussalman Waqf Validating Act of 1913 played a crucial role in legally protecting Waqf properties.

Constitutional Framework and Governance

• Charitable and religious institutions fall under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to frame laws on them. Currently, Waqf governance is regulated by the Waqf Act, 1995, which replaced earlier laws from 1913, 1923, and 1954.
• A Waqf can be created through a declaration (either oral or written), long-term use of land for religious or charitable purposes, or an endowment following the extinction of a family lineage. The states with the highest share of Waqf properties include Uttar Pradesh (27%), West Bengal (9%), and Punjab (9%).

Evolution of Waqf Laws

• The legal framework governing Waqf properties has evolved over time. The Mussalman Waqf Validating Act, 1913, validated Waqf deeds, while the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, made the registration of Waqf properties mandatory.
• The Waqf Act of 1954 introduced the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to improve Waqf management. The Waqf Act of 1995 further strengthened governance by establishing Tribunals for dispute resolution and including elected members and Islamic scholars in Waqf Boards.

Court Rulings on Waqf Administration

Several court decisions have confirmed that managing Waqf properties is a secular function.

• In Syed Fazal Pookoya Thangal vs Union of India (Kerala High Court, 1993), the court clarified that the Waqf Board is a government-regulated body, not a religious representative.
• In Hafiz Mohammad Zafar Ahmad vs UP Central Sunni Board of Waqf (Allahabad High Court, 1965), it was ruled that a mutawalli (Waqf caretaker) does not own Waqf property but merely manages it.
• The Supreme Court, in Tilkayat Shri Govindlalji Maharaj vs State of Rajasthan (1964), declared that managing temple properties is a secular duty, a principle that also applies to Waqf properties.

Key Amendments in the Bill

• The Bill modifies the composition of the Central Waqf Council, making the Union Minister in charge of Waqf the ex-officio chairperson. Its members will now include Members of Parliament (MPs), retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, eminent scholars in Muslim law, and distinguished personalities.
• Significantly, the Bill removes the requirement for MPs, former judges, and eminent persons to be Muslim and mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Council.
• The composition of Waqf Boards has also been altered, empowering state governments to nominate one person from each group. The Bill mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim members and ensures representation from Shia, Sunni, and Backward Muslim communities. Additionally, it requires at least two Muslim women members in the Board.
• The composition of Waqf Tribunals has been changed by removing the requirement for an expert in Muslim law. Instead, the Tribunal will consist of a District Court judge as Chairman and a Joint Secretary-rank officer.
• The Bill also introduces a provision allowing appeals against Tribunal decisions to be filed in the High Court within 90 days, whereas previously, Tribunal decisions were final and not subject to appeal.

Survey and Management of Waqf Properties

• The Bill replaces the Survey Commissioner with the District Collector or other senior officers to oversee Waqf property surveys. It also states that any government property identified as Waqf will cease to be classified as such.
• In cases of uncertainty, the area’s Collector will determine ownership, and if the property is deemed to belong to the government, it will be updated in the revenue records accordingly.
• Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh will now be subject to audits by state-sponsored auditors. To enhance efficiency and transparency, the Bill mandates the creation of a centralized digital portal for the automation of Waqf property management.

Rules on Property Dedication and Women’s Inheritance

• The Bill restores pre-2013 rules by allowing only practicing Muslims (for at least five years) to dedicate property to Waqf.
• Additionally, it mandates that women must receive their rightful inheritance before a Waqf declaration is made, with special provisions ensuring protections for widows, divorced women, and orphans.

Need for the Bill

• The Bill introduces a unified digital listing of Waqf properties to reduce litigation and enhance transparency. By mandating the inclusion of women in Waqf Boards, it also seeks to promote gender justice.

Concerns and Criticism

• One of the major concerns raised is the inclusion of non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council. Critics argue that this could result in these bodies being largely composed of non-Muslims, whereas similar boards governing Hindu and Sikh endowments primarily consist of members from those religions.
• Another concern is the removal of Muslim law experts from Waqf Tribunals, which could impact the resolution of Waqf-related disputes.
• Additionally, the provision limiting the creation of Waqf to individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years raises questions, as the rationale for this criterion remains unclear and creates an arbitrary distinction between practicing and newly converted Muslims.

Conclusion

• The Bill represents a major step in reforming Waqf property management in India. The proposed amendments aim to improve governance, enhance accountability, and foster a more inclusive approach.
• While the reforms offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency and transparency, concerns about representation and legal interpretations need to be addressed to ensure balanced implementation.

7) Lok Sabha Passes the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

GS 2: Polity and Governance: A Future-Ready Maritime Policy

Why is it in the news?

• The Lok Sabha has passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, marking a key step toward strengthening coastal trade in India.
• The bill introduces a dedicated legal framework to promote coastal shipping as an economical, reliable, and sustainable mode of transport. It aims to ease pressure on the country’s road and railway networks by encouraging the use of coastal routes for cargo movement.

Alignment with National Logistics Policy

• The bill aligns with the National Logistics Policy to promote cost-efficient and sustainable transport. It introduces forward-looking provisions that replace outdated regulations in the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• Key reforms include licensing and regulation of foreign vessels in India’s coastal trade, the establishment of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan, and a National Database for Coastal Shipping.
• Additionally, it outlines penalties for violations and streamlines regulatory processes to decriminalize laws and enhance compliance.

Boosting India’s Maritime Sector and Self-Reliance

• The bill supports India’s maritime sector under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• The primary objective is to develop a coastal fleet owned and operated by Indian entities, reducing dependence on foreign vessels. This will lead to lower logistics costs, green transport promotion, and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative, generating employment in shipbuilding, port services, and vessel manning.
• The bill is designed in line with international best practices but tailored to Indian conditions to ensure efficient coastal trade and sustainable inland waterways development.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, introduces several significant provisions:

• General Trading License Removal: The bill removes the requirement for Indian ships to obtain a general trading license (Clause 3), simplifying compliance and improving ease of doing business.
• Foreign Vessel Regulations: Foreign vessels can participate in India’s coastal trade only with a license from the Director General of Shipping (Clause 4), ensuring priority for Indian shipbuilding and employment.
• Strategic Planning: A National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan (Clause 8) will be formulated and revised every two years to enhance route planning and traffic forecasting, integrating coastal shipping with inland waterways.

Modernizing Coastal Shipping Regulations

• The bill modernizes and streamlines coastal trade regulations, addressing gaps in the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Unlike its predecessor, which focused solely on vessel licensing, the new legislation provides a holistic framework aligned with global cabotage practices.
• It simplifies procedures, fosters industry growth, and integrates coastal shipping into India’s logistics network, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness in the maritime sector.

Growth of Coastal Cargo Traffic and Investment Stability

• Coastal cargo traffic has increased by 119% over the last decade, from 74 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 162 million tonnes in 2023-24, with a target of 230 million tonnes by 2030.
• The bill enhances legal clarity, regulatory stability, and investment-friendly policies, strengthening India’s maritime security and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Reforms such as prioritized berthing, green clearance channels, and reduced GST on bunker fuel further support the industry’s growth.

Integration of Coastal Shipping with Inland Waterways

• It emphasizes the strategic integration of coastal shipping with inland waterways, promoting regional development in states like Odisha, Karnataka, and Goa.
• This integration calls for collective planning and coordinated execution among states, ensuring that the benefits of coastal shipping are inclusive and participatory.

Digital Reforms and Enhanced Coordination

• The bill establishes a National Database of Coastal Shipping to improve transparency, coordination, and data-driven decision-making. It also expands the category of entities allowed to charter foreign vessels, including Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and LLPs.
• Additionally, it ensures cooperative federalism by involving state governments and Union Territories in key regulatory mechanisms, reinforcing India’s commitment to an inclusive maritime sector.

Ensuring Cooperative Federalism

• Under Clause 8(3), a committee comprising representatives from major ports, State Maritime Boards, and experts will formulate the National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan. This ensures state governments play a direct role in shaping strategies, route planning, and regulations.
• By integrating coastal shipping with inland waterways, the bill fosters collective planning and inclusive economic growth, aligning with the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

Conclusion

• The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, marks a significant step toward a structured and sustainable maritime policy. It ensures transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in India’s coastal trade sector, reducing logistics costs and environmental impact.
• With an emphasis on modernization, regional development, and regulatory stability, the bill lays the foundation for a robust and future-ready maritime economy, propelling India towards its long-term vision of becoming a global shipping hub.