Parliamentary Committee Investigates Waqf Law Delays

A parliamentary committee has summoned officials from the Minority Affairs Ministry to explain delays in framing subordinate legislation under the 2013 Waqf law. The inquiry occurs as a Joint Committee reviews the 2024 Waqf (Amendment) Bill which proposes significant reforms, including a centralized registration portal and enhanced roles for Waqf Boards.

A parliamentary committee has summoned officials from the Minority Affairs Ministry to explain the delayed process of framing subordinate legislation under the 2013 Waqf law.

The Rajya Sabha Committee on Subordinate Legislation has called the ministry's secretary and representatives next week amid the Joint Committee of Parliament scrutinizing the 2024 Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This bill aims to amend the 2013 Waqf Act.

Similarly, officials from the Ministry of Defence have been summoned for delays related to the Cantonment Act, 2006. Committees from both Houses of Parliament are tasked with ensuring that related rules and by-laws are framed timely and align with constitutional provisions.

The 2013 Act empowered Waqf Boards, while the 2024 bill proposes to reform the registration process for Waqf properties via a centralized portal. This initiative by the BJP-led NDA government introduces several reforms, including the establishment of a Central Waqf Council and broader representation in Waqf Boards.

A controversial aspect of the bill is designating the district collector as the main authority to determine whether a property is Waqf or government land.