Parliamentary Panel Engages Muslim Bodies on Waqf Amendment Bill

The Parliamentary committee convened to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, aiming to streamline Waqf property registration via a centralized portal. Stakeholders, including various Muslim organizations, shared their views. The Bill proposes key reforms such as a Central Waqf Council and empowering women, but faces opposition over certain contentious provisions.

The joint committee of Parliament met on Friday for the second time to gather perspectives from Muslim bodies on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill that aims to reform the registration process for Waqf properties through a centralized portal.

Chaired by BJP's Jagdambika Pal, the panel heard inputs from stakeholders like the All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama and Delhi-based Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR). The Bill marks a significant initiative by the BJP-led NDA government to streamline the registration of Waqf properties.

Key proposals include forming a Central Waqf Council alongside state Waqf Boards, incorporating representations from Muslim women and non-Muslim representatives. However, the Bill's clause designating district collectors as the primary authority to classify properties as Waqf or government land has sparked considerable debate.

The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, followed by a heated discussion before being referred to the joint committee. While the government maintains that the proposed law does not aim to interfere with mosque operations, the opposition criticizes it as targeting Muslims and undermining the Constitution.

In their first meeting, opposition MPs raised objections to various provisions, although BJP members praised the amendments, highlighting their potential to empower women.

(With inputs from agencies.)