New Delhi: As the Winter Session of Parliament began earlier this week amidst disruptions that led to the adjournment of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled to meet today. Committee members are expected to propose their own amendments to the bill.
Opposition members of the JPC have approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting an extension for the committee’s tenure.
On Monday, BJP leader V. Muraleedharan criticized opposition parties regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the Congress and Communist parties of hypocrisy. He pointed out that while these parties support local communities in Kerala and Cochin fighting for their rights against the Waqf board’s notices, they oppose the rightful authority of property owners when in Delhi.
In response, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the bill as a “serious violation of Article 26 of the Constitution.” Following discussions with other opposition MPs and Speaker Birla, he reiterated the demand for an extension of the JPC’s duration, arguing that the government aims to undermine the Waqf Board rather than strengthen it.
Since its formation on August 22, the JPC has conducted multiple meetings, evaluating the work of six ministries and approximately 195 organizations. They have heard from 146 organizations nationwide and received nearly 9.5 million suggestions concerning the Waqf Bill.
The Waqf Act of 1995, designed to regulate Waqf properties, has been plagued by accusations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment. The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to implement extensive reforms, including digitization, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal measures to recover illegally occupied properties.
The JPC continues to hold meetings to gather insights from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories, striving for comprehensive reform.