Contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament

The Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill held its first meeting amid opposition objections. Members debated provisions, particularly increased powers for the collector and inclusion of non-Muslims on Waqf boards. The next meeting is set for August 30, aiming to finalize the bill by the next session.

The Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill held its marathon first meeting on Thursday amid objections by opposition MPs over a host of provisions in the proposed law as the Union minority affairs ministry made a presentation.

Heated words were exchanged during the lengthy meeting, but members from various parties recorded their views, offered suggestions, and sought clarifications on the Bill's provisions.

Opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress, Sanjay Singh of AAP, Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM, and A Raja of the DMK, raised questions over several clauses, such as giving more powers to the collector and allowing non-Muslim members on Waqf boards. Concerns were also voiced about the ministry's preparedness to address raised queries.

Committee Chairperson Jagdambika Pal assured members that all stakeholders, including various Muslim bodies, would be consulted. The committee aims to bring a comprehensive Bill by the next session, addressing all 44 amendments.

The Bill, introduced on August 8, proposes reforms including a Central Waqf Council and representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims. One contentious clause designates the district collector as the primary authority to classify properties as Waqf or government land. The government maintains the Bill aims to improve the registration process for Waqf properties without interfering with mosque operations, while the opposition views it as targeting Muslims.