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Politics

Waqf Panel Clears 14 NDA-Proposed Amendments, Rejects 44 by Opposition

The approved amendments were proposed by members of the ruling BJP and its NDA allies, while the rejected ones were submitted by the Opposition.

Waqf Panel Clears 14 NDA-Proposed Amendments, Rejects 44 by Opposition

Waqf JPC meeting held in New Delhi on Monday. Image: X/@jagdambikapalmp

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, approved 14 amendments on Monday, January 27, while rejecting 44 others.

Reportedly, the approved amendments were proposed by members of the ruling BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, while the rejected ones were submitted by the Opposition.

Committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal stated that the amendments would enhance the Bill and fulfil the government’s objective of benefiting the poor and Pasmanda Muslims.

"Clause-by-clause meeting was held today. Opposition members had amendments over the 44 clauses. I asked members whether they are moving the amendments. They said they will be moving the amendments. There can't be anything more democratic than this. The kind of amendments passed today. I believe a better bill will be prepared," Pal said.

Explaining the rejection of Opposition-proposed amendments, Pal added, "If the amendments were moved, and there were 16 members voting against them, and only 10 in favour of them, then can those with 10 members supporting them be accepted? It is natural whether it is the Parliament or JPC.”

Key changes approved by the committee include transferring the authority to determine disputes over Waqf properties from district collectors to state-appointed officials such as commissioners or secretaries.

Another approved amendment focused on modifying the composition of state Waqf Boards. The government proposed increasing representation from two to three members, with one member being an Islamic scholar.

Additionally, the JPC discussed extending the deadline for registering Waqf properties on the online portal, which was initially set at six months.

The 31-member Waqf panel comprises representatives from both Houses of Parliament: 16 from the NDA (including 12 from the BJP), 13 from the Opposition, one from the YSR Congress Party, and one nominated member.

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, includes significant provisions such as empowering the state government to decide if a property registered as Waqf belongs to the government. Previously, this determination was made by the Waqf Tribunal. The proposed legislation also allows non-Muslims to hold the position of CEO and mandates the inclusion of at least two non-Muslim members in state Waqf Boards.

Pal further noted that Opposition members opposed several provisions, including the increased representation in Waqf Boards and the inclusion of an Islamic scholar. Despite these objections, the committee passed the amendments, prioritizing reforms which is 'claimed' to improve the Bill’s effectiveness.

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