Joint Parliamentary Committee Adopts Waqf Amendment Bill

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) concluded its meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill on Wednesday, adopting the final draft with a vote of 14 in favor and 11 against, Muslim Mirror reported. According to the source, opposition members were allowed to register dissent until 4 PM.

The JPC had previously approved the Bill with 14 amendments proposed by the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Opposition MPs submitted 44 proposed changes, all of which were rejected, leading to significant political uproar.

Key amendments include empowering state governments to appoint officers to determine Waqf properties, replacing the District Collector’s role. Additionally, the Bill now allows for three members on the Waqf Board, including a scholar, and removes the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council.

JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal stated that the committee’s discussions over the past six months culminated in today’s vote. The opposition has accused the chairman of bias and procedural violations during deliberations. The JPC’s recommendations are due by February 13.