JPC submits Waqf (Amendment) Bill report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has concluded its meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and submitted its final report on the bill.

The submission was led by JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal, accompanied by committee members Nishikant Dubey, Tejashwi Surya, Sanjay Jaiswal, and others. Notably, no opposition members were present during the submission.

Following the submission, JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal praised the committee members for their "significant contribution" in drafting the bill. He highlighted the extensive deliberations undertaken over the past five months, including 38 meetings and consultations with 250 delegations across the country.

"We met former judges, vice-chancellors, and other stakeholders to ensure a well-examined and comprehensive report. The bill was introduced with the intent of benefiting and improving the welfare of the poor, and I believe it will achieve that purpose," Pal told ANI.

Addressing the absence of opposition MPs during the submission, Pal stated, "Everyone has their own commitments. I had invited all members, and they actively participated in crucial amendment discussions, voting, and adoption meetings. Their contributions in shaping the bill were significant."

Committee member and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey lauded the JPC's efforts, asserting that no other committee in JPC’s history has undertaken as much work.

"We received 1.5 crore representations from across the nation and held 38 meetings. I believe no bill since India's independence has been introduced for the welfare of poor Muslim families like this one. This bill will put an end to vote-bank politics," Dubey remarked.

BJP MP Tejashwi Surya echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the new bill aims to bring transparency, accountability, and professionalism to the management of Waqf properties.

"For a long time, Waqf properties were mismanaged, and there was significant opaqueness in their administration. Many entrusted with their management misused or encroached upon these properties. Additionally, several government and private lands, as well as those belonging to other faiths, were wrongfully occupied by individuals claiming to represent Waqf boards. The amendments introduced in the bill effectively address both these issues," Surya explained.

On Wednesday, the JPC adopted the draft report and the revised bill, though opposition leaders submitted dissent notes. The committee had earlier cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with 25 amendments across 14 clauses.

The bill is expected to be presented during the Budget Session of Parliament, which begins on January 31 and continues until April 4, with the Union Budget scheduled for February 1.

The Waqf Act of 1995, originally enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has faced longstanding criticism due to mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to resolve these challenges by introducing key reforms, including digitization of records, enhanced audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.