New Delhi/IBNS: The Modi government on Thursday tabled the Waqf bill, which aims to bring about certain changes in powers of state Waqf boards, in the Lok Sabha amid stiff resistance from the Opposition, media reports said.

The bill aims to bring about certain changes in the 1995 Waqf Act.

The bill proposes that two women should be present in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.

It also proposes the money received by the Waqf boards should be for the welfare of widows, divorcees, orphans in the ways suggested by the government.

Congress' KC Venugopal has slammed the bill calling it "draconian".

Venugopal said the bill is an attack on the freedom of religion and federal system.

He has also opposed the appointment of non-Muslim members in the Waqf boards, a key provision proposed in the bill by the government.

Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah said as quoted by NDTV, "This is injustice to Muslims. We are going to commit a huge mistake, we will suffer because of this Bill for centuries. This is interference with religion."

While Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said the bill was anti-federalism, DMK's Kanimozhi said it is against the Muslim community.

Kanimozhi said as quoted by NDTV, " Will it be possible for Christian and Muslim to handle Hindu temples?"