Waqf Amendment Bill Deliberations Deferred Amid Election Engagements

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has postponed part of its study tour due to election commitments. Although successful consultations have occurred, opposition members boycotted the second phase. The JPC aims to include stakeholder views in its upcoming report.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) overseeing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has delayed its next study tour to Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow as numerous members are engaged in elections. The committee has already conducted consultations in several states.

Despite a productive first study phase, the second was marred by an opposition boycott, which commenced on November 9. Meetings have continued in Guwahati and Bhubaneswar, covering stakeholder opinions on the proposed amendments.

JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, citing electoral commitments of committee members, announced the postponement. He emphasized the necessity of broad participation for thorough deliberation. The committee aims to finalize its report by the end of the winter parliamentary session.

(With inputs from agencies.)