Waqf Bill : JPC Report To Be Tabled In Parliament Today
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by BJP’s Jagdambika Pal has tabled its report on the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the ongoing Parliament’s Budget Session. This move comes amidst significant controversy regarding the handling of opposition dissent notes.
What’s in the JPC Report?
The report, presented by Jagdambika Pal and BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal, includes both Hindi and English versions alongside the evidence that shaped their conclusions. According to Pal, the committee has made pivotal changes to the bill, focusing on ensuring that the benefits of Waqf properties reach the marginalized, including the poor, women, and orphans.
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Out of the 44 clauses discussed, amendments were proposed in 14, with decisions made by majority vote. However, not everyone is on board with these changes. Opposition leaders have voiced their dissent, submitting notes that critique the amendments. Notably, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the JPC of censoring parts of his dissent note, which he claims merely “stated facts.”
“Shocking that parts of my note were redacted without my knowledge,” Owaisi expressed on X, highlighting concerns over transparency and freedom of expression within the committee’s proceedings.
Background of the Waqf Act
The Waqf Act of 1995 was designed to oversee Waqf properties, which include mosques, schools, and lands dedicated for Muslim religious or charitable purposes. Over the years, the Act has faced criticism for various reasons, including mismanagement and corruption. The 2024 amendment seeks to modernize and streamline these processes through:
- Digitization of records to prevent property disputes.
- Enhanced Audits for better financial accountability.
- Transparency in Waqf board operations.
- Legal Mechanisms to tackle encroachment and recover properties.
The Ongoing Debate
The tabling of this report during the Budget Session, which spans from January 31 to April 4, 2025, is set against a backdrop of political contention. The amendments aim to reform an outdated system but have ignited debates on the balance between government intervention and community autonomy over religious endowments.
As the report now lies before Parliament, the next steps involve discussions and potential further amendments based on parliamentary debates. The public and stakeholders are keenly watching how this amendment will affect the governance of Waqf properties across India, hoping for a resolution that respects both legal frameworks and the cultural significance of these endowments.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 represents a significant effort to modernize the management of religious endowments but is not without its critics. As Parliament deliberates, the outcome of this legislative process will have lasting implications on how Waqf properties are managed and utilized for the community’s benefit.
