New Delhi [India]: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, announced on Wednesday that the bill, set to be presented in Parliament for approval, would benefit underprivileged and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims.
Calling it a “historic day,” Pal highlighted the efforts of the JPC, which engaged with stakeholders across multiple states to ensure a well-rounded discussion. He mentioned that the committee held extensive meetings, allowing the opposition to voice their concerns for eight hours daily.
“Our hard work has paid off…The government is coming with the bill in an amended form today. This is definitely a historic day. Today, with the passing of this bill, the poor and Pasmanda Muslims are going to benefit…We have conducted the JPC meetings in the last six months. We have heard them (opposition) 8 hours every day,” said Pal, speaking to ANI.
Opposition and Allegations of Politicization
Regarding the opposition’s stance on the bill, the BJP MP accused the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) of politicizing the issue.
“Whether it is our opposition or the All India Muslim Personal Law Board appealing to wear black bands in Mosques during the prayer on Ramzan, they are politicizing the issue,” he stated.
BJP leader Mohsin Raza expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the bill, stating that its passage would be a significant gift for marginalized Muslims.
“On behalf of all the downtrodden and backward Muslim brothers and sisters of the country, I thank Prime Minister Modi for this Waqf Amendment Bill. This will be the biggest ‘Eidi’ from PM Modi for backward Muslims,” Raza told ANI.
Congress Stands Firm Against the Bill
Meanwhile, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala reiterated the party’s opposition, asserting that they would resist any attempts to undermine a particular community. He acknowledged the government’s decision to hold an eight-hour debate on the bill during the ongoing budget session.
“Definitely, we will oppose this bill if something in it is against a particular community or trying to de-establish that community. They (the government) have given us eight hours today to discuss it. Our final agenda is that when there is a discussion, the issues raised by the opposition or the ruling should be considered because this is a democratic platform; they should not bulldoze as they did in the JPC,” Chamala told ANI.
Legislative Proceedings and Expected Outcomes
Parliament is set to reconvene today, with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju scheduled to introduce the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025. The bill aims to amend the existing Waqf Act of 1995 to address regulatory challenges in managing Waqf properties.
Both the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc have issued whips to their MPs to ensure full attendance in the House. Given the lack of bipartisan consensus, the final decision is expected to be based on the ruling party’s majority in the Parliament.
The bill will be tabled after the Question Hour for consideration and passage, followed by an eight-hour discussion, subject to possible extension.
Originally introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year, the bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee under Jagdambika Pal’s leadership for further review.
Key Objectives of the Waqf Amendment Bill
The amendment seeks to improve the governance and administration of Waqf properties in India by addressing longstanding issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. Key changes proposed include:
- Renaming the Waqf Act
- Updating definitions related to Waqf properties
- Enhancing the registration process
- Integrating technology to improve record management
The Waqf Act of 1995 has faced criticism over the years due to challenges in regulating properties effectively. The new amendment aims to streamline administration, ensure transparency, and safeguard the interests of Waqf boards.
With Parliament set for a heated debate, all eyes are on the proceedings as the bill moves toward final approval.