Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill convened in Lucknow today for the final phase of its nationwide field visits. The meeting included key stakeholders from Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards and the Minority Commission, with discussions aimed at refining the proposed amendments.
Rajya Sabha MP and JPC member Brij Lal highlighted that the committee has conducted extensive consultations across several states. “This is the last phase of the field visits. All stakeholders, including the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards and the Minority Commission, will participate and provide their suggestions for this Act. JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal will then submit the final report to the Parliament,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari welcomed the delegation, expressing support for the bill and its potential to promote the development of the Muslim community. “We welcome the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lucknow. I hope discussions will focus on the community’s development in line with the vision of the Modi government. Our main intention is the overall development of the Muslim community, and we support the bill,” Ansari stated.
Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC and BJP MP, expressed confidence in presenting the report during the upcoming budget session of Parliament, which begins on January 31. “The JPC has been meeting continuously for the last six months across the country. We are confident of reaching a consensus and presenting the report. Though we initially planned to present it in the winter session, the term was extended, and we will now submit it during the budget session,” Pal confirmed.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has faced criticism over issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to address these challenges through reforms like digitisation of records, enhanced audits, greater transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim encroached properties.
As part of its consultations, the JPC has engaged with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive approach to the legislation.
The Union Budget will be presented on February 1, with the budget session concluding on April 4. The report from the JPC is expected to play a key role in shaping the reforms under the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.