Ahead of today’s meeting, Jagadambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, confirmed that two significant developments will take place: the adoption of the JPC report and the revised amended Waqf Bill.
Speaking to the media, Pal highlighted that although committee members have the right to either support or oppose the bill, the committee will proceed with the formal adoption of both the report and the bill. This will be followed by informing the Speaker of the next procedural steps.
“The report and the revised amended bill will both be adopted today,” Pal stated. “We have circulated the 656-page JPC report to all members. Based on the deliberations held, the committee will adopt the final report. Today is crucial for the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill as we will present the report to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for adoption and also present the revised amended bill for approval.”
He further emphasized that once the report is adopted, he will inform the Speaker, who will proceed with the necessary formalities.
Meanwhile, Shahid Sayeed, National Convener of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, expressed support for the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which was cleared by the JPC. He praised the bill, stating that it would help address essential societal needs while empowering underprivileged and marginalized communities.
On Tuesday, the JPC cleared the Waqf Bill 1995 with 25 amendments across 14 clauses and sections. The committee is expected to submit its report during the ongoing Budget session, following the extension of its term during the winter session of Parliament.
The Budget session is set to begin on January 31 and conclude on April 4, with the Union Budget being presented on February 1.
The original Waqf Act of 1995, which was introduced to regulate Waqf properties, has faced criticism over the years for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to address these problems by introducing reforms including digitisation, enhanced audits, greater transparency, and stronger legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
