New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, finalised its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on January 29 this year and is set to table it in Parliament on Monday. The bill, aimed at addressing longstanding issues within the administration of Waqf properties, has triggered a political row as opposition members submitted dissent notes against the report.

Jagdambika Pal, while presenting the committee’s conclusions, highlighted that the amendments sought to introduce reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, transparency measures, and legal frameworks for reclaiming illegally occupied Waqf properties. He also emphasised that, for the first time, the bill explicitly states that the benefits of Waqf should reach the marginalised sections, including women, orphans, and the poor.

The JPC examined 44 clauses, out of which amendments were proposed in 14 sections. A majority vote was conducted to finalise these changes before the report was adopted. However, opposition leaders strongly objected to the proceedings, claiming their concerns were overlooked.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been particularly vocal, alleging that portions of his dissent note were redacted without his consent. He expressed outrage, stating that his submissions contained only factual observations and did not warrant censorship. “Why is the JPC chairperson stifling opposition voices when he has already secured the report he wanted?” Owaisi questioned on social media platform X.

This dispute over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has further intensified political tensions, with opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP of disregarding their inputs. Some leaders argue that while reforms are necessary, the amendments proposed may impact the autonomy of Waqf Boards and raise concerns over government control.

The Waqf Act of 1995 has long been criticised for issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and illegal encroachments on Waqf properties. The proposed amendments seek to modernise Waqf administration by introducing mandatory digitisation of records, stricter financial audits, and legal empowerment of authorities to reclaim encroached properties. While proponents argue that these reforms are crucial for transparency and better governance, critics fear they could lead to centralisation of power and possible misuse against specific communities.

As Parliament debates the JPC report, the bill is expected to spark further discussions, with the opposition likely to push for additional revisions. The ongoing Budget Session, which began on January 31 and will continue till April 4 in two phases, could witness heated exchanges over the bill’s provisions and the broader implications for Waqf governance in India.