Parliamentary Committee Approves Key Amendments to Waqf Bill, Clears Path for Reform
Parliamentary Committee Approves Key Amendments to Waqf Bill, Clears Path for Reform
In a significant development, the Parliamentary Joint Committee (JPC) has approved the Waqf Bill, which seeks major reforms in the administration of Waqf properties across India. The bill, which has been under scrutiny for several months, was passed with 14 amendments proposed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members. Despite strong opposition, which proposed various amendments, the JPC voted in favor of the NDA-backed changes by a margin of 16:10.
The Waqf Bill aims to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs the management and regulation of Waqf properties in India. The bill has stirred controversy, with opposition parties arguing that it undermines the rights of Muslims and the federal structure of the country. However, the government has maintained that the proposed amendments are aimed at ensuring better transparency, accountability, and administration of Waqf properties.
Key Amendments Approved by the Parliamentary Committee
During the final meeting of the JPC on Monday, the committee discussed 66 proposed amendments, with 23 put forward by ruling BJP MPs and 44 by opposition members. After extensive deliberations, the committee approved 14 amendments, which are seen as a crucial step in the ongoing reform process.
- Changes to Non-Muslim Member Provision
One of the most debated amendments was related to the provision that required the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the State Waqf Boards and Central Waqf Council. Originally, the bill mandated the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members. However, the committee voted to modify this clause, allowing for the inclusion of two nominated ex-officio members, who can be either Muslim or non-Muslim. This change has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary adjustment and others questioning its implications on the Waqf’s purpose.
- Shift in Authority Over Waqf Property Determination
Another critical amendment pertains to the determination of Waqf properties. The original draft of the bill gave the authority to District Collectors to determine whether a property qualifies as a Waqf property. The committee has now approved a change, designating a state-nominated officer instead of the District Collector to hold this responsibility. This shift is expected to bring greater clarity and consistency in the decision-making process, as it will be handled by a state-level official with specific expertise in property management.
- Non-Retrospective Application of the Law
A notable revision in the bill ensures that the law will not apply retrospectively to properties already registered under the Waqf Act. This provision addresses concerns raised by critics who feared that the law would disrupt the legal status of properties already in existence and create confusion among stakeholders.
- Tejasvi Surya’s Proposal on Land Donations
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also proposed an amendment that requires individuals donating land to a Waqf to prove their commitment to the Islamic faith. According to the amendment, donors must demonstrate that they have been practicing Islam for at least five years and confirm that no contrivance is involved in the donation process. This move has generated debate, as it seeks to ensure the legitimacy of property donations while safeguarding against misuse.
Political Reactions and Opposition Concerns
The passage of the Waqf Bill with the approved amendments has drawn strong reactions from various political parties. The BJP and its allies have hailed the bill as a much-needed reform that will bring greater transparency and efficiency to the management of Waqf properties. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, the JPC chairperson, emphasized that the amendments were thoroughly discussed and voted on democratically, ensuring that all voices were heard.
However, opposition parties have raised concerns about the potential impact of the bill on the rights of Muslims and the federal structure of India. They argue that the bill, in its amended form, could undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions and could lead to greater state interference in religious matters. Opposition members also criticized the provision requiring non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies, claiming that it could dilute the representation of Muslims in the administration of their religious properties.
The Road Ahead: Future Implications of the Waqf Bill
With the parliamentary committee’s approval of the Waqf Bill, the next step will be the presentation of the bill in Parliament, where it will undergo further scrutiny and debate. If passed, the bill will represent a major overhaul of the 1995 Waqf Act, which governs the administration of properties donated for religious purposes.
The proposed reforms aim to improve the management of Waqf properties, increase accountability, and ensure that the properties are utilized for the welfare of the public. However, the controversy surrounding the bill suggests that its passage may not be smooth, as opposition parties are likely to continue raising concerns in both parliamentary debates and in public discourse.
Conclusion
The approval of the Waqf Bill by the parliamentary committee marks a pivotal moment in the long-running debate over Waqf property management in India. With 14 key amendments approved by a majority vote, the bill seeks to address longstanding issues of transparency and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties. As the bill moves toward its final stages, the political landscape surrounding it remains divided, with both supporters and detractors making their voices heard. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these reforms will ultimately shape the future of Waqf property management in India.