Waqf Bill in focus: key Parliamentary committee meeting today

The Winter Session of Parliament started this week but faced immediate disruptions, forcing the adjournment of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Despite this, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to meet on Wednesday. During this meeting, members will likely propose amendments to the bill.

Opposition parties have called for an extension of the committee’s tenure. BJP leader V. Muraleedharan, however, criticized the opposition, accusing them of playing a “double game” on the issue.

As the debate intensifies, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi has raised strong objections to the bill. He argues that it violates Article 26 of the Constitution and alleges that the government’s true aim is to dismantle the Waqf Board, rather than strengthening it.

The JPC has been actively reviewing the bill since August 22, holding discussions with representatives from six ministries and around 195 organizations. These meetings are crucial in shaping the final version of the Waqf Bill, which seeks to amend the management and governance of Waqf properties.

The outcome of Wednesday’s meeting is anticipated to bring significant changes, as the JPC members debate amendments and address concerns raised by various political and social groups. The bill, which has generated both support and resistance, is expected to be a major topic of discussion in the coming weeks.