JPC Clears Waqf Amendment Bill Amid Opposition Protests

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has approved the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill after a heated meeting on Wednesday. The Bill passed with 14 votes in favor and 11 against. Opposition members were given until 4 pm on Wednesday to file their dissent.

Earlier this week, the JPC approved the Bill with 14 amendments proposed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Opposition MPs had submitted 44 changes, all of which were rejected, sparking a political uproar.

The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to reform the administration of Waqf Boards nationwide. One key amendment gives state governments the power to appoint officers to decide whether properties are Waqf, replacing the District Collector’s role. The original Waqf Act of 1995 vested this power in the survey and additional commissioners.

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Another contentious change dropped the term “mandatory” regarding including two non-Muslim members on the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards. Instead, the composition will now include three members, one of whom must be a scholar.

JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal confirmed that the committee had finalized the Bill, following months of discussions and deliberations. On Monday, the committee voted on the amendments, with 16 votes from NDA members and 10 from the Opposition.

The process, however, was marred by the opposition’s accusations of bias. They alleged that Chairman Pal rushed the proceedings to influence the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi. Several MPs claimed they were denied adequate time to review documents.

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi dismissed these allegations, asserting that every member was given ample time to present their views.

The JPC was originally scheduled to submit its recommendations by November 29, but the deadline has now been extended to February 13.