Breaking

27 Jan 2025

JPC approves amendments in Waqf Bill, what Opposition and Hurriyat leaders said?


The amendments in the Waqf Bill were approved by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of Parliament on Monday. The bill was introduced in Parliament in August last year with 14 changes. Earlier, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal had proposed 44 changes, which were rejected by opposition members.


The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act 1995, made to regularize waqf properties, has been facing criticism for issues like mismanagement, corruption and encroachment.


Democratic process destroyed: Oppn


JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal said after the meeting that the amendments adopted by the committee will make the law better and more effective. However, opposition MPs condemned the proceedings of the meeting and accused Pal of destroying the democratic process.


TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said that this round of meetings was ridiculous. We were not heard. Pal has acted in a dictatorial manner. On this, Jagdambika Pal said that the entire process was democratic and majority opinion was given priority.


Bill proposes numerous changes


The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes numerous changes to the way Waqf boards are administered, including nominating non-Muslim and (at least two) women members.


Also, the central Waqf Council must (if the amendments are passed) include a union minister and three MPs, as also two ex-judges, four people of 'national reputation', and senior government officials, none of whom need be from the Islamic faith. Further, under the new rules the Waqf Council cannot claim land.


Attack on freedom of religion: Oppn leaders


The idea is to empower Muslim women and children who "suffered" under the old law. However, critics, including opposition leaders like the Congress' KC Venugopal, have said it constitutes a "direct attack on freedom of religion".


Asauddin Owaisi and the DMK's Kanimozhi, meanwhile, have argued it violates multiple sections of the Constitution, including Article 15 (the right to practice a religion of one's choice) and Article 30 (the right to minority communities to establish and administer their educational institutions).


Amendments against Muslims: Hurriyat leader


After the meeting on January 24, Jammu and Kashmir Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, 'Arbitrary powers have been given to the collector. By giving orders and changing the entries in the revenue records, full rights have been given to show Waqf properties as government properties. These amendments are completely against the Muslim community.


Prakash Kumar Pandey


No comments:

Post a Comment

Pages