Lucknow (UP) [India], January 28: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has approved the WAQF Bill 1995 after incorporating 25 amendments across 14 clauses/sections, as confirmed by JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal. In his statement, Pal emphasized the extensive consultations with various stakeholders that took place over the past six months, which contributed to the bill’s revision.
Pal explained, “Over the past six months, we have engaged with stakeholders across several states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. We held 36 meetings in Delhi with state government officials, WAQF boards, minority commissions, Islamic scholars, professors, retired judges, and legal experts.”
He added that the committee had provided ample opportunities for all members to present their views on the 44 clauses or amendments in the bill. Pal addressed criticisms from opposition members, asserting that every member had been allowed to present their amendments, and when consensus wasn’t reached, voting took place on each proposal.
Pal clarified, “The decision-making process was based on majority votes. If there is no agreement on an amendment, voting is conducted. On the amendments proposed by opposition members, the final vote count showed 10 votes in favor and 16 against.”
He reiterated that the process was transparent and democratic, with each amendment being carefully reviewed and voted on. The results were declared and recorded clause by clause.
Pal also confirmed that the bill will be presented for adoption by the JPC members during a meeting in Delhi tomorrow. “After adopting the bill and the 500-page report, we will request the Speaker to present our findings,” he said.