The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 moved forward with approval from the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Monday ahead of its parliamentary examination.
As many as 14 amendments were adopted by the panel while 44 others were rejected 10:All amendments originating from members allied with the BJP reached approval while opposition proposals obtained unanimous rejection following a voice vote according to media reports.
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Waqf Amendment Bill Clear
The JPC panel under Jagdambika Pal addressed amendments from the Opposition together with clause-by-clause review during its session according to reporters’ accounts.
The procedure reached its highest point of democratic participation. Does it make sense to approve amendments that see sixteen panel members voting against versus ten members in favor? According to him natural procedures govern both parliamentary sessions and JPC proceedings.
The decision-making power to establish ‘Waqf’ properties now falls under the authority selection process which State authorities control based on the changes made to the original Bill at today’s JPC meet according to Pal. Under the provisions of the original Bill the District Collector maintained the responsibility for clarity.
Waqf Board Amendment Bill
The Bill notes that when challenges emerge regarding ownership of “such property” the state government through a state-appointed authority will decide if it belongs to the government (“Government property”) Section 32(C) of the Bill states. The state government now holds the power to name a determined authority which handles the investigation of property disputes to determine ownership nature.
Another key change pertains to the composition of the Waqf Councils and Waqf Boards. The government suggested raising Waqf Board membership to three individuals according to Pal’s comments although the suggested legislation featured two board members.
What is Waqf Amendment Bill ?
The Waqf Councils functioning as state institutions and nationwide units will include at least two personnel who practice a non-Muslim faith while additional non-Muslim representatives may join if existing ex-officio members are not Muslim.
Under JPC approval a proviso confirms that property registration precedes the exclusion of retrospective application. News sources indicate JPC member and Congress leader Imran Masood expressed opposition to the proposal because 90 percent of Waqf properties are unregistered.
One proposed amendment proposed that before donating land to Waqf someone must provide proof of Islamic religious practice during the past five years while submitting documentation stating there is no scheme included in the land transfer.
Multiple NDA representatives submitted 23 proposed changes which were whittled down to 14 approved amendments. All 44 Proposed amendments moved by Opposition members received rejection from the members during the proceedings.
The 31-member JPC on the Waqf Bill combined members from both House of Parliament. Parliament includes 16 members from the NDA with 12 BJP members alongside 13 members from the Opposition party with one YSRCP member and one nominated member.
The January 29 voting session will determine the acceptance of 14 modifications while the committee will deliver its final report on January 31 according to NDTV reporting sources. Government sources informed NDTV that the extension of report filing from November 29 to February 13 coincided with the conclusion of the Budget Session’s first part which commenced on January 31.
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