New Delhi, November 21, 2024: The Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Jagdambika Pal, arrived at Parliament today to lead a crucial meeting on the proposed legislation. This development marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to reform the administration and management of Waqf properties across the country.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and accountability to the functioning of Waqf boards, which oversee properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community. The bill seeks to address issues such as the misuse of Waqf properties, streamline the process of registration, and enhance the powers of the boards for better governance.
Key Focus Areas of the Meeting:
- Addressing Anomalies in Current Legislation:
The JPC will review existing loopholes in the Waqf Act, 1995, and deliberate on proposed amendments to close gaps that have allowed for inefficiencies and mismanagement. - Stakeholder Consultation:
Members of the committee are expected to hear representations from various stakeholders, including legal experts, community representatives, and state Waqf boards, to ensure the amendments are comprehensive and inclusive. - Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms:
Proposals to enhance the role of the Central Waqf Council and state boards in monitoring and supervising Waqf properties will be discussed to curb corruption and unauthorized usage. - Digitalization and Transparency:
The bill is likely to emphasize the digitalization of records to prevent disputes and establish a transparent, easily accessible database of Waqf properties.
Speaking briefly to the media before the meeting, Jagdambika Pal highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating, “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a significant step towards ensuring that Waqf properties are used for the purposes they are intended, benefiting the community and upholding public trust. We aim for a detailed discussion to address all concerns.”
Political Context:
The bill has drawn attention from various political and community leaders, with some supporting the reforms and others raising concerns over potential encroachments on religious autonomy. As deliberations progress, it is expected that the JPC will seek to balance the need for modernization with respect for community sentiments.
The outcome of this meeting will likely set the stage for the bill’s presentation during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. If passed, it could usher in a transformative era for the management of Waqf properties in India.
Stay tuned for updates as the deliberations unfold.
