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Directive for the Efficient and Effective Management of Litigation by the Government of India

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:29PM by PIB Delhi

In furtherance of the Government of India’s policy to prevent, regulate, and reduce litigation involving the Union of India, the Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, has formulated the “Directive for the Efficient and Effective Management of Litigation by the Government of India”. This Directive has been developed pursuant to the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. It shall be applicable to all Ministries and Departments of the Central Government, including their attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies, as well as Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in matters pertaining to arbitration.

The Directive adopts a comprehensive approach in reinforcing the goal of good governance, ensuring public welfare, and facilitating the timely dispensation of justice. It aims to introduce stringent measures to simplify legal procedures, prevent unnecessary litigation, address inconsistencies in notifications and orders, minimise unwarranted appeals, streamline inter-departmental coordination in litigation, ensure greater public accountability in arbitration matters, and establish a robust Knowledge Management System (KMS) to improve and enhance the efficiency of legal processes.

The implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Directive will be reviewed by the Committee of Secretaries, chaired by the Cabinet Secretariat.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2119064) Visitor Counter : 53

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announces Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine during the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announces Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine during the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand

I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries: Prime Minister

Initiative to boost Research & Development and academic collaboration

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:28PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to promote research and dissemination of Traditional Medicine during the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit held in Bangkok.

 

While announcing the initiative, Shri Narendra Modi said, “Public health is a vital pillar of our collective social development. I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries. In line with our holistic approach to health, a Centre of Excellence will also be established to promote research and dissemination of traditional medicine”.

It is worth noting that Thailand and India have robust Traditional Medicine Systems with close mutual ties. With this announcement by the Prime Minister, the research and development activity in the area is set to get a significant boost. The two countries have been working together to strengthen, promote, facilitate and develop academic & research collaboration in Traditional Medicine.

This may also be noted that last year the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, under the Ministry of Ayush of the Government of India and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine of the Ministry of Public Health of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 10th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting held at Hyderabad House, New Delhi on the establishment of an Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine.

In academic collaboration, the Ayush Scholarship Scheme of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India is offered through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The scholarship is provided for Undergraduate and Post-Graduate studies in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy, B.Sc. in Yoga, B.A. in Yoga Shastra, Ph.D in Yoga and Ph.D in Ayurveda. During the past five years, 175 students from BIMSTEC regions have availed the scholarships.

India and Thailand have a long history of cooperation in various sectors including Traditional Medicine. The announcement of establishing a Centre of Excellence to promote research and dissemination of Traditional Medicine will further strengthen these ties.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2119063) Visitor Counter : 50

Posted on

VEHICLES COVERED UNDER PME-DRIVE SCHEME

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Heavy Industries

VEHICLES COVERED UNDER PME-DRIVE SCHEME

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 5:22PM by PIB Delhi

10.27 lakh Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been sold under the PM E-DRIVE scheme as on 31/03/2025 as per details at Annexure.

A total of 5,05,645 e-Vouchers have been generated and availed by EV customers under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, as on 31/03/2025.

It is estimated that sale of 10.27 lakh EVs under the PM E-DRIVE scheme has led to reduction of 230K tonnes of CO2emission.  Currently no study on carbon emission from fuel-based vehicles has been carried out by MHI.

To encourage the integration of renewable energy in EV charging stations, the Ministry of Power, in its Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024, has suggested a discount in electricity tariffs for EV charging during solar hours.”  These guidelines also allow charging stations to integrate solar energy to their stations. 

No. of EVs sold under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme as on 31.03.2025

 

 

State

Total

              

S.N.

e-2W

e-3W

Total

              

1

Andaman & Nicobar

17

–

17

              

2

Andhra Pradesh

39,331

2,640

41,971

              

3

Arunachal Pradesh

18

–

18

              

4

Assam

2,464

12,111

14,575

              

5

Bihar

13,672

10,136

23,808

              

6

Chhattisgarh

24,193

2,393

26,586

              

7

Chandigarh

1,220

140

1,360

              

8

Daman & Diu

130

8

138

              

9

Delhi

19,704

3,433

23,137

              

10

Goa

6,421

17

6,438

              

11

Gujarat

49,118

1,187

50,305

              

12

Himachal Pradesh

765

68

833

              

13

Haryana

14,019

864

14,883

              

14

Jharkhand

6,015

1,872

7,887

              

15

Jammu & Kashmir

1,996

5,874

7,870

              

16

Karnataka

1,00,901

6,343

1,07,244

              

17

Kerala

49,248

3,156

52,404

              

18

Ladakh

4

–

4

              

19

Lakshadweep

5

1

6

              

20

Maharashtra

1,70,413

6,842

1,77,255

              

21

Meghalaya

121

163

284

              

22

Manipur

7

193

200

              

23

Madhya Pradesh

49,204

3,354

52,558

              

24

Mizoram

430

–

430

              

25

Nagaland

5

–

5

              

26

Odisha

45,926

1,678

47,604

              

27

Punjab

16,553

737

17,290

              

28

Puducherry

3,361

187

3,548

              

29

Rajasthan

58,638

2,450

61,088

              

30

Shillong

1

1

2

              

31

Telangana

45,572

2,909

48,481

              

32

Tamil Nadu

93,159

1,683

94,842

              

33

Tripura

356

6,811

7,167

              

34

Uttarakhand

5,881

1,765

7,646

              

35

Uttar Pradesh

67,384

39,062

1,06,446

              

36

West Bengal

19,387

3,323

22,710

              

 

Total

9,05,639

1,21,401

10,27,040

              

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2118897)

Posted on

SUBSIDY FOR PROMOTING E-VEHICLES

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

Yes, the Government is providing subsidies to promote e-vehicles to enhances sales and reduce pollution. These subsidies are primarily offered to buyers of e-vehicles to make EVs more affordable. The following schemes are being implemented by Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide subsidies to promote e-vehicles :-

  1. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore has been notified on 29.09.2024. It is a two-year scheme ending on 31/03/2026.  The subsidy is being provided to EVs including e-2Ws under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme. The details of subsidy are provided at Annexure.
  2. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India (PLI-Auto): The Government approved this scheme on 15.09.2021 for Automobile and Auto Component Industry for enhancing India’s manufacturingcapabilities for Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products.  The budgetary outlay of the scheme is Rs.25,938 crore. The scheme provides financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of EVs, including cars.
  3. PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage: The Government on 12.05.2021 approved PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage for manufacturing of ACCin the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs.18,100 crore. The scheme is important, as battery is an integral component for EVs including cars and scooters.

Besides this, many of the State Governments are providing subsidy for purchase of EVs.

As per information received from Ministry of Power (MoP), record of EV charging stations installed in the offices is not maintained by the MoP.

Additionally, the Ministry of Power issued the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024 in September 2024. These guidelines include the following suggestions to facilitate the setup of charging stations in office complexes:

  1. Building/office owners can request a separate metered connection from the distribution licensee or use their existing electricity connections to charge employees’ EVs at the workplace.
  2. Building/office owners can apply to their electricity distribution licensee for a higher power load to accommodate EV charging stations.

Details of subsidy being offered to e-2W buyers under the PM E-DRIVE scheme

 

S. No

Segment of  Vehicle

Incentive per kWh

Cap

Period

1

e-2W

Rs.5,000/-

15% of ex-factory price

FY 2024-25

2

e-2W

Rs.2,500/-

FY 2025-26

 

The upper cap in the subsidy is restricted to EVs with an ex-factory price below a certain  threshold defined in the PM E-DRIVE scheme. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2118896) Visitor Counter : 10

Posted on

Government of India Taking Measures To Tackle Deepfakes

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Electronics & IT

Government of India Taking Measures To Tackle Deepfakes

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:09PM by PIB Delhi

The policies of Government of India are aimed at ensuring a safe, trusted and accountable cyberspace for users in the country. Key regulatory initiatives taken by the Central Government to address issues of misinformation and deepfakes, are as under:

  • The Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”) and the rules made there under have created a legal framework designed to protect the internet from unlawful activities to ensure safety and trust among the users.
  • The IT Act provides for punishment for various offences considered as cybercrimes such as identity theft, cheating by personation, violation of privacy, publishing/transmitting material that is obscene/ containing sexually explicit act, etc., depicting children in sexually explicit act/transmitting/ browsing child sexual abuse material, etc.
  • The IT Act and the rules made apply to any information that is generated using Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) tools or any other technology and those which are generated by users themselves for the purpose of defining offences.
  • To protect users in India and the Indian internet at large from the emerging harms emanating from the misuse of technologies including AI and to ensure accountability towards law of the land, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“MeitY”) regularly engages with and receives inputs from the industry for promoting ethical use of technologies.
  • Accordingly, the Central Government after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”) and its subsequent amendments under the IT Act to address various emerging issues on the cyberspace.
  • The IT Rules, 2021 casts specific obligations on intermediaries, including social media intermediaries to not host, store or publish any information violative of any law.
  • They are also obligated to ensure their accountability that includes their expeditious action towards removal of the unlawful information categorised under the IT Rules, 2021 as notified by the appropriate government’s or on the basis of grievances received against any unlawful information.
  • Such unlawful information comprises any information that, among other things, is harmful to child or that is promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion or caste with the intent to incite violence, or that deceives or misleads the addressee about the origin of the message or knowingly and intentionally communicates any misinformation or information which is patently false and untrue or misleading in nature, or that threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, public order, or that violates any law for the time being in force.
  • Where any information is categorised as unlawful under the IT Rules, 2021, any user may make a request to the Grievance Officer of the concerned intermediary on whose platform such unlawful information is made available to the public. Upon receipt of such request, the intermediary is required to act expeditiously within the timelines prescribed under IT Rules, 2021.
  • Also, under the IT Rules, 2021, the Government has established Grievance Appellate Committees to allow users and victims to appeal online on www.gac.gov.in against decisions taken by the Grievance Officers of intermediaries in case they are dissatisfied with the decision of the Grievance Officer.
  • Taking into cognizance that there is an urgent need to address the harms and criminalities being committed through widespread circulation of misinformation and deepfakes powered by AI, MeitY conducted multiple consultations with industry stakeholders/ social media platforms to discuss the challenges identified in combating deepfakes and has issued advisories time to time, through which the intermediaries were reminded about compliance with their due-diligence obligations outlined under the IT Rules, 2021 and advised on countering unlawful content including malicious “synthetic media” and “deepfakes” to curb deepfakes and promptly remove harmful content online.
  • The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities including malicious attacks using Artificial Intelligence and countermeasures to protect computers, networks and data on an ongoing basis. In this context, an advisory on safety measures to be taken to minimize the adversarial threats arising from Artificial Intelligence (AI) based applications was published in May 2023. CERT-In has published an advisory in November 2024 on deepfake threats and measures that need to be followed to stay protected against deepfakes.
  • CERT-In has taken following measures to enhance awareness among users and organisations for safe usage of digital technologies and tackling digital risks:
  • CERT-In issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities including social engineering, phishing and vishing campaigns and countermeasures to protect computers, mobile phones, networks and data on an ongoing basis.
  • CERT-In has issued an advisory to various Ministries in November 2023 outlining the measures to be taken for strengthening the cyber security by all entities that are processing the digital personal data or information including sensitive personal data or information.
  • CERT-In operates the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) to detect malicious programs and provides free tools to remove the same, and also provides cyber security tips and best practices for citizens and organisations.
  • CERT-In provides leadership for the Computer Security Incident Response Team-Finance Sector (CSIRT-Fin) operations under its umbrella for responding to and containing and mitigating cyber security incidents reported from the financial sector.
  • Security tips have been published for users to secure their desktops and mobile phones and to prevent phishing attacks.
  • CERT-In is regularly carrying out various activities for awareness and citizen sensitization with respect to cyber-attacks and cyber frauds. CERT-In is observing the Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) during October of every year, Safer Internet Day on 1st Week Tuesday of February Month every year, Swachhta Pakhwada from 1 to 15 February of every year and Cyber Jagrookta Diwas (CJD) on 1st Wednesday of every month by organising various events and activities for citizens as well as the technical cyber community in India. CERT-In conducted several awareness activities such as Quiz, webinars, Capture the Flag event in collaboration with Government and industry partners during NCSAM 2024 with the theme “Satark Nagrik, Secure our World”.
  • In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs (“MHA”) has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (“I4C”) to provide a framework and eco-system for LEAs to deal with cyber-crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. MHA has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) to enable the public to report all types of cyber-crimes including cyber financial frauds.
  • Cybercrime incidents reported on this portal are routed to the respective State/UT law enforcement agency for further handling as per the provisions of law. The portal has distinct mechanisms for registering complaints related to financial frauds. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalised to get assistance in lodging online complaints.

This information was given by Minister of State for Electronics & IT Shri Jitin Prasada as a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2119050)

Posted on

7 Years of Stand-Up India

Source: Government of India

7 Years of Stand-Up India

Turning Aspirations into Achievements

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:06PM by PIB Delhi

 

Since its launch on 5th April 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme has been on a mission to empower SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs. It aimed to break barriers by providing bank loans to help them start new businesses. Over the past 7 years, the scheme has not just funded businesses—it has nurtured dreams, created livelihoods, and driven inclusive growth across India.


Achievements Under Stand-Up India

 The Stand-Up India Scheme has shown remarkable growth over the years, with the total amount sanctioned rising from Rs. 16,085.07 crore as of 31st March 2019 to an impressive Rs. 61,020.41 crore by 17th March 2025, since its launch. This reflects a substantial increase, highlighting the scheme’s expanding impact in empowering entrepreneurs across the country.

The scheme reflected significant financial empowerment for the SC, ST communities and women entrepreneurs (from March 2018 to March 2024):

  • SC accounts grew from 9,399 to 46,248 with loan amounts rising from Rs. 1,826.21 crore to Rs. 9,747.11 crore.
  • ST accounts increased from 2,841 to 15,228 with sanctioned loans jumping from Rs. 574.65 crore to Rs. 3,244.07 crore.
  • From 2018 to 2024, women entrepreneurs saw growth from 55,644 to 1,90,844 accounts, with sanctioned amounts rising from Rs. 12,452.37 crore to Rs. 43,984.10 crore.

Conclusion

The Stand-Up India Scheme has been a transformative initiative, empowering SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into reality. With significant achievements in loan sanctions and disbursements, it continues to foster inclusive growth. This scheme is not just about loans; it’s about creating opportunities, inspiring change, and turning aspirations into achievements.

References

Kindly find the pdf file

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Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Kamna Lakaria

 

(Release ID: 2119045) Visitor Counter : 9

Posted on

BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE INDRA-2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:00PM by PIB Delhi

The bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA 2025 between Indian and Russian navies was held from 28 Mar to 02 Apr 2025.

This 14th edition of the exercise included a wide range of activities and structured drills designed to enhance interoperability towards countering common maritime threats.

The operations involved complex coordinated manoeuvres and simulated engagements showcasing the combined combat power of the participating navies.

The exercise achieved its aim of enhanced jointmanship and reinforced the shared commitment to upholding the principles of maritime order, promoting global peace and stability.

The drills also provided invaluable operational experience, strengthening collective capacity to address contemporary maritime security challenges. The exercise facilitated the exchange of best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational doctrines and enhancing the ability to operate seamlessly in complex maritime environments.

The INDRA series of exercises have been a cornerstone of India-Russia Defence relations since its inception in 2003 and both countries recognise the importance of maritime security and the need for a collaborative approach to counter common threats and concerns.

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VM/SKS                       

(Release ID: 2119037) Visitor Counter : 31

Posted on

Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

Source: Government of India

Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

Another significant reform under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, was passed in Lok Sabha on 03.04.2025, following its earlier acceptance in the Rajya Sabha. With both Houses having cleared the legislation, this marks the second major aviation reform passed under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu. The bill aims to align India’s aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem with global standards and marks a critical step in deepening investor confidence in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.

The Bill builds on the framework of the Cape Town Convention of 2001, which aimed to simplify and standardize international leasing agreements. India formally adopted this convention in 2008, but gaps in legal enforcement led to higher leasing costs—typically 8 to 10 percent higher than other nations. With this bill, India seeks to plug those gaps, providing legal certainty to aircraft financiers and reducing costs for Indian carriers.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu underlined the urgency behind the legislation and stated “There was a vision behind this leap in civil aviation. There was a mission to fulfill that vision. And to make that mission possible, there was the guidance of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The kind of growth we are seeing today was made possible because of his leadership.”

 

He illustrated this growth with concrete figures. “For almost 65 years—from Independence to 2014—the total number of passengers flying annually in India was 10 crore 38 lakh. In just the next 10 years, that number has more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh in 2024,” he said. “Similarly, the number of airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2024, with two more ready to be launched soon,” he highlighted.

The Minister also spotlighted the increase in the number of aircraft, growing from 340 in 2014 to over 840 by 2024. “These figures show that civil aviation in India is not just growing—it’s booming. No other country has seen this level of aviation expansion in such a short period,” he stated.

The Bill is expected to further ease leasing processes, make India a more attractive destination for aviation investments, and improve the country’s compliance scores under the Cape Town Convention. These changes are essential for reducing airline costs and encouraging new entrants into the sector.

The discussion also touched upon broader issues in the civil aviation sector, such as the high cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) which accounts for nearly 45% of an airline’s operational costs. The Minister expressed concern over the variation in ATF tax across states and called for more states to follow the example of those who have reduced their rates. “Reducing these taxes will boost regional connectivity and lower costs for passengers,” he added. Looking to the future, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set ambitious targets for sustainability and capacity building.

With plans to generate 2.5 crore liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2025 and transition over 100 airports to renewable energy, India is making a strong push toward greener aviation. The sector also faces a growing demand for trained pilots—estimated at 30,000 to 34,000 over the next 10 to 15 years. “We are working on increasing the number of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and issuing more commercial pilot licenses annually to meet this demand,” the Minister said.

In conclusion, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu affirmed the government’s long-term vision: “Civil aviation in India is not just about flying planes. It’s about connecting people, boosting economies, and creating opportunities. And we are committed to making India a global leader in aviation.”

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Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2118797) Visitor Counter : 35

Posted on

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: An overview of the Act vs Bill

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Minority Affairs

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: An overview of the Act vs Bill

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to update the Waqf Act, 1995 to fix issues in the management of Waqf properties. The proposed changes focus on:

  • Overcoming the shortcomings of the previous act and enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards
  • Updating the definitions of waqf
  • Improving the registration process
  • Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records​.

The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 seeks to remove the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, which is no longer effective for modern India. The repeal will:

  • Ensure uniform rules for managing Waqf properties under the Waqf Act, 1995.
  • Improve transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
  • Eliminate confusion and legal contradictions caused by the old law.

Major issues:

  1. Irrevocability of Waqf Properties
    • The principle “once a waqf, always a waqf” has led to disputes, such as claims over islands in Bet Dwarka, which have been deemed perplexing by courts as well.
  2. Legal Disputes & Poor Management: The Waqf Act, 1995, and its 2013 amendment have not been effective. Some problems include:
  • Illegal occupation of Waqf land
  • Mismanagement and ownership disputes
  • Delays in property registration and surveys
  • Large-scale litigation cases and complaints to the Ministry
  1. No Judicial Oversight
    • Decisions by Waqf Tribunals cannot be challenged in higher courts.
    • This reduces transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
  2. Incomplete Survey of Waqf Properties
    • The Survey Commissioner’s work has been poor, leading to delays.
    • In states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand, surveys have not even started.
    • In Uttar Pradesh, a survey ordered in 2014 is still pending.
    • Lack of expertise and poor coordination with the Revenue Department have slowed the registration process.
  3. Misuse of Waqf Laws
    • Some State Waqf Boards have misused their powers, leading to community tensions.
    • Section 40 of the Waqf Act has been widely misused to declare private properties as Waqf properties, causing legal battles and unrest.
    • As per information out of 30 States/UTs, data was given only by 8 States where 515 properties have been declared as Waqf under Section 40. 
  4. Constitutional Validity of the Waqf Act
    • The Waqf Act applies only to one religion, while no similar law exists for others.
    • A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, questioning whether the Waqf Act is constitutional. The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government to respond to this issue.

Key Features of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Feature

Waqf Act, 1995

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Name of the Act

Waqf Act, 1995

Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025.

Formation of Waqf

Waqf could be formed by declaration, user, or endowment (waqf-alal-aulad).
  • Removes waqf by user and allows formation only through declaration or endowment.
  • Donors must be practicing Muslims for at least five years and must own the property.
  • Waqf-alal-aulad cannot deny inheritance rights to female heirs.

Government Property as Waqf

No clear provision.

Any government property identified as Waqf will cease to be Waqf. Ownership disputes will be resolved by the Collector, who will submit a report to the state government.

Power to Determine Waqf Property

The Waqf Board previously had the power to inquire and determine waqf property.

 

Provision removed.

Survey of Waqf

Assigned survey commissioners and additional commissioners to conduct Waqf surveys.

 

Empowers Collectors to conduct surveys and mandates pending surveys to be conducted as per state revenue laws.

 

Central Waqf Council Composition
  • Constituted the Central Waqf Council to advise the central and state governments and Waqf Boards.
  • All members of the Central Waqf Council had to be Muslims, including at least two women members.

 
  • Two members must be non-Muslims.
  • MPs, former judges, and eminent persons appointed to the Council as per the Act need not be Muslims.
  • The following members must be Muslims: Representatives of Muslim organisations, Scholars in Islamic law, Chairpersons of Waqf Boards
  • Of the Muslim members, two members must be women.

Waqf Boards Composition
  • Provides for election of up to two members each from electoral colleges of Muslim: (i) MPs, (ii) MLAs and MLCs, and (iii) Bar Council members, from the state to the Board.
  • At least two members must be women

The Bill empowers the state government to nominate one person from each background to the Board. They need not be Muslims. It adds that the Board must have:

  • Two non-Muslim members
  • At least one member each from Shias, Sunnis, and Backward classes of Muslims
  • One member each from Bohra and Agakhani communities (if there is Waqf in the state)
  • Two Muslim members must be women.

Tribunal Composition

Required state-level Tribunals for Waqf disputes, led by a judge (Class-1, District, Sessions, or Civil Judge), and included:

  • A state officer (Additional District Magistrate rank)
  • A Muslim law expert

The amendment removes the Muslim law expert and instead includes:

  • A current or former District Court judge as chairman
  • A current or former joint secretary to the state government

 

Appeal on Tribunal Orders

Decision of the Tribunal are final and appeals against its decisions in Courts are prohibited.

Only High Courts could intervene under special circumstances

 

The Bill omits provisions deeming finality to Tribunal’s decisions.

Allows appeals to the High Court within 90 days

 

Powers of Central Government

State governments could audit Waqf accounts at any time.

 
  • The Bill empowers the central government to make rules regarding registration, publication of accounts of waqf and publication of proceedings of Waqf Boards.
  • The Bill empowers the central government to get these audited by the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) or a designated officer.

Separate Waqf Boards for Sects

Separate Waqf Boards for Sunni and Shia sects if Shia waqf constitute more than 15% of all waqf properties or waqf income in the state.

 

Separate Waqf boards allowed for Bohra and Agakhani sects, along with Shia and Sunni sects.

 

Inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board and Central Waqf Council

Conclusion:

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing the governance, transparency, and efficiency of waqf property management in India. By addressing long-standing issues such as litigation and the lack of judicial oversight, the Bill seeks to create a more structured and accountable framework. Key changes include redefining the formation of waqf, improving the survey and registration process, empowering government oversight, ensuring inclusivity by incorporating non-Muslim members and women into waqf-related bodies. These provisions mark a crucial step toward modernizing Waqf property management in India.

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

(Release ID: 2118799)

Posted on

Measures taken by the Government for detection and prevention of Cancer

Source: Government of India

Measures taken by the Government for detection and prevention of Cancer

770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics have established at community health centres under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)

National Health Mission has launched comprehensive initiative for screening and management of common NCDs, including cancer, through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Under ‘Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme’, 9 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary centres have been established; new facilities approved at all new 22 AIIMS

Under PM-JAY, over 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% treatments availed in rural areas; targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% treatment access by rural beneficiaries

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, offers both technical and financial support to States and Union Territories through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). Under this program, a total of 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been established across the country.

In addition to these facilities, a population-based initiative for screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including cancer have been rolled out as a part of comprehensive Primary Health Care in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Screening of these common NCDs including oral, breast and cervical cancer is an integral part of 12 package of service delivery including rural and underserved area.

The Government has implemented the Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme, resulting in establishment of 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centers across various regions. Additionally, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS, equipped with diagnostic, medical, and surgical capabilities. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar, featuring 1,460 patient care beds and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, along with the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which has 460 beds, have been set up to provide super-specialty care.

Complementing these efforts, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) offers ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, corresponding to 12.37 crore families. Recently, the scheme extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The latest national master of the Health Benefit Package (HBP) under AB PM-JAY includes treatment for 1,961 procedures across 27 specialties, including cancer care.

Under PMJAY, more than 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% of these treatments availed by beneficiaries from rural areas. Furthermore, targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% of these treatments accessed by rural beneficiaries under PM-JAY.

As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, Government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in consultation with States/Union Territories in district hospitals in the next 3 years, out of which 200 centres are proposed to be set up in 2025-26.

A comprehensive gap analysis has been undertaken to assess the availability of cancer care infrastructure, medical personnels, and essential equipment in district hospitals. Based on the findings, Union Health Ministry, in consultation with State Governments, plans to establish DCCCs in districts with a high cancer burden and limited access to cancer care services. The selection of these districts will ensure robust referral linkages with State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and Tertiary Cancer Care Centers (TCCCs) to provide a seamless continuum of care.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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MV

HFW/Steps taken by the govt for detection & prevention of Cancer/04 April, 2025/3

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