New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting to review the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill concluded on Wednesday, with the bill being adopted by a vote of 14 in favor and 11 against. Opposition members have until 4 PM today to file their dissent.
Earlier this week, the JPC approved the Waqf Amendment Bill, incorporating 14 amendments proposed by members of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In contrast, the Opposition had suggested 44 amendments, all of which were rejected, sparking significant political backlash. Voting on these proposed changes took place today.
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to reform the administration of Waqf Boards nationwide. Notably, one amendment would allow state governments to appoint an officer to decide if a property is a Waqf, replacing the District Collector, who previously held this authority. Under the original Waqf Act of 1995, this power was assigned to survey commissioners and additional commissioners.
Another contentious change approved by the panel involved the composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, where the term ‘mandatory’ was removed regarding the inclusion of two non-Muslim members. The composition of the Waqf Board was also revised to include three members, one of whom must be a scholar.
In total, 66 amendments were proposed for the Waqf Bill, with 23 from ruling BJP MPs and 44 from the Opposition. JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal stated that this was the final meeting of the committee, confirming that the 14 amendments were passed by majority vote.
The JPC meetings have been marked by tense exchanges, with the Opposition accusing the committee chairman of bias toward the ruling party. They argued that the process was being rushed to shape narratives ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in the national capital.
On Monday, 11 Opposition MPs expressed their discontent with what they described as the ‘autocratic’ conduct of Chairman Jagdambika Pal, criticizing his swift acceptance of the NDA’s amendments. They issued a joint statement protesting the proceedings, citing instances where they felt deprived of adequate time to review documents.
However, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi dismissed these claims, asserting that all committee members had sufficient time to voice their opinions.
The JPC was originally due to submit its recommendations by November 29, but this deadline has been extended to February 13.