New Delhi: The proposed amendment to the Waqf Act, 1995, is unlikely to see the light of day in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, as the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with examining the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks more time to finalize its report. JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal confirmed on Wednesday that a motion to extend the committee’s tenure will be presented in Parliament.
Opposition Push for Broader Consultations
Opposition members have voiced their dissatisfaction with the proceedings, demanding that the committee engage with a broader spectrum of stakeholders, including additional state boards and experts. They walked out of the committee meeting on Wednesday, alleging that their calls for inclusivity had been ignored. Despite the disagreements, Pal appealed for constructive participation, emphasizing the progress already made.
“In the past three months, the committee held 29 meetings and interacted with over 147 delegations, representing various organizations and stakeholders,” said Pal. “While we have made significant progress, if some members feel more consultations are needed, boycotting meetings is not the solution.”
Motion to Extend Timeline Until Budget Session 2025
Pal, along with BJP MP Dilip Saikia, plans to table a motion to extend the JPC’s reporting deadline to the last day of the Budget Session in 2025. The extension aims to facilitate additional consultations and address complex issues related to Waqf properties, particularly disputes over government-owned properties claimed by the Waqf Board.
Contentious Issues Surrounding Waqf Properties
The JPC’s deliberations have revealed contentious claims over Waqf properties, including 123 government-owned properties in Delhi dating back to 1911. These properties, which were later claimed by the Waqf Board, have raised questions requiring input from the Ministry of Urban Development and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Similar disputes in states like Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar have also been flagged for further scrutiny.
“We need to invite stakeholders, including state officials, to clarify these claims,” Pal said. “Today, we questioned the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and they will respond in the next meeting. It’s imperative that we address these issues thoroughly before finalizing the report.”
Opposition Criticism and Call for Broader Engagement
Opposition leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi, Sanjay Singh, and Kalyan Banerjee, have criticized the JPC for what they perceive as a rushed process. They argue that several state Waqf boards and community representatives have not been given a fair opportunity to present their views.
Pal countered these claims, stating, “We have heard all members and stakeholders presented so far. If more are needed, it’s better to work together constructively than boycott the proceedings.”
Delay in the Bill’s Passage
The Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address long-standing issues in the administration and management of Waqf properties across India. However, the political and procedural delays underscore the complexities involved in reforming a sensitive and deeply entrenched system.
With the tenure extension likely to be approved, the bill’s passage will remain on hold until at least mid-2025, as the committee navigates the challenges of achieving consensus among its members and stakeholders.
