Parliament Committee Commences Scrutiny of Waqf (Amendment) Bill

A 31-member committee, led by BJP's Jagdambika Pal, will evaluate the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This bill, proposed by the NDA government, aims to reform the registration process for Waqf properties. The opposition and Muslim organizations have protested the bill, fearing it targets Muslim communities.

On Thursday, the Parliament's Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will hold its inaugural meeting to engage with representatives from the ministries of minority affairs and law and justice.

The 31-member committee, led by BJP's Jagdambika Pal, was appointed by the Lok Sabha to scrutinize the bill, which has sparked protests from opposition parties and Muslim organizations.

The minority affairs ministry representatives are expected to provide insights on the proposed amendments to the bill, according to the Lok Sabha secretariat.

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, is a significant initiative by the BJP-led NDA government aimed at reforming the Waqf property registration process through a centralized portal.

The proposed legislation includes establishing a Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, with representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims.

One controversial element of the bill is the proposal to designate the district collector as the primary authority to classify properties as Waqf or government land.

Following a heated debate, the bill was assigned to a joint parliamentary committee. The government claims the law will not interfere with mosque operations, while the opposition argues it targets Muslims and undermines the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)