Waqf Bill cleared by JPC with amendments proposed by NDA members

A joint parliamentary committee on Monday cleared the 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill after adopting proposals by members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, PTI reported.

The amendments proposed by Opposition MPs were negated, the news agency reported.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the committee, said the meeting held on Monday was its last and that the panel had discussed 44 amendments.

The 44 amendments in the bill, tabled in Parliament in August, propose to curb the authority of waqf boards, allow greater control by the government, allow non-Muslims to be members of the boards, restrict the donation of properties and change how waqf tribunals function.

A waqf is a property given for a religious, educational or charitable cause by Muslims. In India, waqfs are governed under the Waqf Act. Each state has a Waqf Board led by a legal entity, which is vested with the power to acquire, hold and transfer property. The Act was last amended in 2013.

After objections from the Opposition, the draft legislation was referred to the joint parliamentary committee on August 8 for further consultation.

On Monday, Pal told ANI that 14 amendments were accepted by the committee based on the majority.

“Opposition too had suggested amendments,” said the BJP MP. “We moved each and every of those amendments and it…

Read more