Waqf Amendment Bill Cleared with NDA’s Changes
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The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has approved the Waqf Amendment Bill with all 14 amendments proposed by the BJP-led NDA, rejecting over 40 changes suggested by Opposition members. The bill, now set to be reintroduced in Parliament during the Budget session, aims to reform Waqf board administration, including provisions to include non-Muslim members and at least two women, and introduce stricter regulations on donations to Waqf from practicing Muslims.
The proposed amendments also limit the Waqf Council’s authority, such as removing its power to claim land and omitting the provision of ‘Waqf by user’ for properties used for religious purposes. While opposition members accused the JPC of subverting democratic procedures, committee chairman Jagdambika Pal defended the process, stating that the changes would make the law more effective. The final report is expected to be submitted by January 31.
