Joint Parliamentary Committee clears Waqf Amendment Bill

NDA’s 14 proposals were accepted, while the INDI alliance’s 44 amendments rejected

New Delhi – In the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 held on January 27th, 14 amendments of the ruling alliance were accepted, while 44 amendments of the opposition alliance were rejected. Regarding this, the committee chairperson, Jagadambika Pal, said that the amendments accepted in this bill can improve this bill. This will achieve the Government’s objective of providing maximum benefits to the poor and Pasmanda (backward class) Muslims.

1. Jagdambika Pal mentioned some of the proposals accepted. Earlier, the District Collector had the sole authority to make decisions regarding the ownership of Waqf land. Now, a person appointed by the State Government will have these powers. That person can be a commissioner or a secretary. Earlier, there were only two members on the Waqf Board. The Government suggested that there should be 3 members instead of two. This will also include a scholar of Islam.

2. The Joint Parliamentary Committee will present its report during the Budget Session. The Budget Session will begin on January 31st and continue till April 4th.