India’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government to amend laws governing Muslim endowments worth more than $14bn.
The waqf bill would add non-Muslims to boards that manage the endowments and give the government a more significant role in validating their land holdings. Waqf refers to personal property – moveable or immovable – that is permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes.
