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The Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is facing opposition from various political parties as they seek more time to present their viewpoints. The JPC, established to reform the Waqf Act and ensure the effective use of waqf properties for the benefit of the community, is currently holding meetings with stakeholders to gather input. Opposition MPs, in a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, have requested additional time to raise their concerns about the bill, following JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal's announcement of meetings scheduled for November 4th and 5th.
The JPC's mandate is to comprehensively reform the Waqf Act, which has been criticized for mismanagement, corruption, and illegal encroachments on waqf properties. The proposed amendment aims to introduce digitization, stricter audits, transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The meetings on November 4th and 5th will involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including intellectuals, Islamic scholars, former judges, lawyers, minority organizations, and government officials. The committee is actively seeking input from legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from across India.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, while intended to improve the management of waqf properties, has generated concerns among some opposition parties. The letter sent to the Lok Sabha Speaker indicates their desire to thoroughly scrutinize the proposed changes and contribute to the legislative process. The JPC, with its extensive consultations, is working towards achieving a consensus on the most effective reforms for the Waqf Act. The outcome of these meetings and the subsequent deliberations by the JPC will determine the future of waqf properties and their role in serving the community.
Source: Waqf bill JPC meet: Opposition writes to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, seeks time