JPC Begins Deliberations on Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Targeting Minority Welfare

The Joint Parliamentary Committee, chaired by Jagdambika Pal, starts discussions on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The bill aims to help backward Muslims and women by ensuring the proper use of Waqf properties. Representatives from various ministries and minority organizations will participate in the discussions.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by Jagdambika Pal, has commenced its deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, focusing on maximizing opportunities for involvement from minority organizations. Pal underscored the government's objective to assist backward Muslims and women through this legislation.

'The government introduced the bill and it was referred to the JPC for thorough examination. It's our mandate to submit our report by the first week of the next Parliamentary session,' Pal stated. He emphasized the importance of including various stakeholders, such as State Waqf Boards and minority community organizations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, in the discussions.

During the JPC meeting, representatives from the Minority Affairs and Law Ministries briefed members on the bill and its proposed amendments. The committee, composed of 21 Lok Sabha members and 10 Rajya Sabha members, examined the bill introduced during the recent budget session.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, aims to rename the existing Waqf Act, 1995, enhance the definition of 'Waqf,' and safeguard women's inheritance rights. It proposes various reforms including the omission of the 'Waqf by user' provision, assigning the Survey Commissioner's duties to the Collector, broadening the composition of Waqf Councils, and establishing a separate Board of Auqaf for specific communities.

Further provisions include streamlining the filing of Waqf accounts through a central portal, reforming the Tribunal structure, and setting a 90-day appeal period against Tribunal orders. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the JPC would submit its findings to the Lok Sabha by the first week of the winter session.

(With inputs from agencies.)