The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to hold critical sessions on December 26 and 27 to record oral evidence from state representatives. The ongoing deliberations aim to address longstanding challenges in the management and governance of Waqf properties through legislative reforms.
On December 26, representatives from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan will present their views before the Committee, followed by officials from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi on December 27. These hearings are part of the JPC’s broader efforts to engage with stakeholders across the country to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the Waqf Act, 1995.
The Committee recently held a meeting with Muslim representatives from Lucknow and Rajasthan, where significant feedback on the proposed amendments was presented. Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC, emphasized the importance of these consultations, stating, “The former Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow, and the former Chairman of the Rajasthan Waqf Board shared their proposed amendments during a clause-by-clause discussion, which included questions from Members of Parliament.”
Prominent participants in these discussions included Syed Abubakar Naqvi, former Chairman and State Minister of the Rajasthan Waqf Board, and Professor Mahrukh Mirza, former Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow. Earlier, the Committee engaged with members of the All India Shia Personal Law Board to gather their insights on the Bill.
The Lok Sabha recently approved a motion to extend the JPC’s tenure on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with a deadline to present its report by the conclusion of the 2025 Budget Session. Jagdambika Pal revealed that the Committee had convened 27 meetings in Delhi before this extension, involving consultations with stakeholders and government ministries.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which governs Waqf properties across the country, has been criticized for issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and encroachments. The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to address these challenges by introducing measures such as digitization of records, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
As part of its extensive review process, the JPC is engaging with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories. These efforts underscore the Committee’s commitment to crafting a robust legislative framework that ensures the effective management and protection of Waqf properties nationwide.
