New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has approved 14 amendments proposed by members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while rejecting 44 amendments submitted by opposition MPs. This decision has intensified debates over the bill’s implications for the management of Waqf properties in India.
Key Approved Amendments:
- Elimination of “Waqf by User”: The bill removes provisions that allowed properties to be designated as Waqf based on long-term use, aiming to reduce disputes over property claims.
- Enhanced Administrative Clarity: The amendments seek to streamline administrative procedures, providing clearer guidelines for Waqf property management.
- Inclusive Representation: A mandate for at least two non-Muslim members on Waqf councils has been introduced, a move that has sparked debate over its impact on representation.
- Redefined Authority: The responsibility to determine if a property is Waqf now lies with a state-nominated officer, replacing the previous authority of the District Collector.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Parliament in August 2024, aiming to reform the governance of Waqf boards and address longstanding issues related to property management. The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, has been reviewing the bill and is expected to present its report during the upcoming Budget Session, which begins on January 31, 2025.
Opposition members have expressed strong objections to the approved amendments, arguing that they undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions and interfere in religious affairs. They proposed 44 amendments seeking to restore provisions of the existing law, all of which were rejected by the committee.
The committee’s meetings have been marked by significant contention. Opposition MPs have accused Chairman Jagdambika Pal of “subverting” the democratic process by allegedly rushing the proceedings and not allowing adequate discussion on the proposed changes. These tensions culminated in noisy protests during the latest meeting.
As the bill moves closer to being tabled in Parliament, it continues to be a focal point of political debate, reflecting broader discussions about minority rights and the management of religious endowments in India.
Source: Web Team, C6N
