Waqf Amendment Bill Cleared by Joint Parliamentary Committee with 14 Changes
Waqf Amendment Bill approved by JPC, introducing changes in Waqf board administration, inclusivity, and donations
JPC clears Waqf Amendment Bill, introducing 14 changes, opposition raises constitutional and religious freedom concerns
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has approved the Waqf Amendment Bill, introducing 14 alterations to the original draft presented in August 2022. The bill seeks to revise the management of Muslim charitable properties in India. Initially, 66 amendments were proposed, including 23 by BJP members and 44 by opposition MPs, but most opposition suggestions were rejected during the voting process.
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The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, finalized its decisions after six months of deliberations and nearly 36 hearings. The committee has until January 31 to submit its final report, with voting on the amendments scheduled for January 29. Previously, the report deadline was extended from November 29 to February 13, the last day of Parliament’s Budget Session.
The committee faced criticism from opposition MPs, who accused the Chair of bias towards the ruling party. Despite opposition concerns, BJP’s Aparajita Sarangi defended the JPC, stating that all members had sufficient time to propose and debate amendments.
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Some opposition members, including Trinamool Congress’ Kalyan Banerjee and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, strongly opposed the bill, claiming it infringes on the constitutional rights of minority communities. Banerjee, who was suspended along with nine other opposition MPs, previously clashed with BJP members during heated discussions.
Key Proposals in the Waqf Amendment Bill:
Inclusivity in Waqf Boards: Mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim and at least two women members in Waqf Boards.
Central Waqf Council: Requires the council to include a union minister, three MPs, two ex-judges, senior officials, and individuals of national repute, with no requirement for them to belong to the Islamic faith.
Land Claims: Prohibits the Waqf Council from claiming land.
Donation Rules: Restricts donations to practicing Muslims who have followed the faith for at least five years.
Supporters of the bill argue it empowers Muslim women and children, while critics call it an attack on religious freedoms, violating Articles 15 and 30 of the Constitution. The debate continues as the bill progresses through Parliament.
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