Dargah Khwaja Act to be amended

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 11. The Government will soon amend the Dargah Khwaja Saheb Act, 1955 to take care of the emerging needs and provide better facilities to the public.

Revealing this during a discussion on proposed changes in the Act with the Muslim Members of Parliament, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice, Ms. Maneka Gandhi, said the modified legislation would pave the way for effective and proper management of the affairs of the Dargah.

The new bill will also lay down measures to be taken to prevent misuse of the Dargah premises and offerings by unauthorised persons. It will further set out steps to be taken for removal of encroachments from Dargah properties.

Provisions spelling out the liabilities of members of the Dargah Committee and the rights and functions of `Sajjadanashin' were also being incorporated. Similarly, it would also regulate the activities and functions of the `khadim'. According to Ms. Gandhi, changes had been proposed on the basis of experiences gathered during the execution of the existing law. The views of the Rajasthan Government, the Central Wakf Council and the Management Committee of the Dargah Khwaja Saheb were being taken into account while proposing the changes.

Justifying the move, she said that modification of the law had become necessary in view of the changed scenario and emerging needs. The relevant features of the Wakf Act, which was last amended in 1995, also needed to be incorporated to make the modified law equally effective.

Describing the Dargah as an institution of national importance and a place of international significance touching the lives and sentiments of millions of people who visit it, she said it was natural that it should have better facilities. The exercise is aimed at providing the right kind of facilities and environment.

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Section  : National
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