New Delhi: Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, responded to the Opposition’s criticisms regarding the committee’s proceedings and the bill’s status. He asserted that all concerns and proposed amendments had been incorporated into the discussions.
Pal dismissed remarks from leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Sanjay Singh, labeling their claims as unfounded. He stated, “The Opposition’s remarks about the JPC meetings and the board are completely unnecessary. Their allegations of the government ignoring their input are incorrect; all written complaints and amendments have been included.”
He mentioned that the timing of the next JPC meeting would be determined by the Lok Sabha Speaker, emphasizing that the report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, would be presented once it is officially scheduled. He clarified, “The report will not be presented today. We will submit it when the Speaker includes it in the agenda.”
Pal described the bill as a necessary correction for improvement and expressed confidence that it would be viewed positively once presented. He drew a parallel between the anticipated benefits of the Waqf law for minorities and the peace and development brought about by the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill remains a divisive topic, with the Opposition accusing the government of neglecting their perspectives.