Parliamentary Committee Approves 12 Amendments to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
In a significant development, the Joint Committee of Parliament examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, approved 12 amendments and rejected 44 others on Monday. The committee, led by Jagdambika Pal, conducted a meticulous clause-by-clause discussion, ensuring a democratic process for all members to voice their opinions.
Majority of Approved Amendments from Ruling Party
The 12 amendments that passed were proposed by members of the ruling BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, while 44 were from the opposition parties. This outcome highlights the political dynamics surrounding the bill and raises questions about the broader implications for various stakeholders.
Committee Chairperson’s Statement
During the meeting, committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal emphasized the thoroughness of the process. She noted that each of the 44 opposition amendments was read and considered. Pal stated, “There was a meeting to discuss clause-by-clause consideration. All the amendments introduced by the Opposition – each 44 of them were read by me with their names. I asked them if they were moving their amendments. Then they were moved. It could not have been more democratic than this.” The democratic approach taken by the committee aimed to ensure fairness and transparency.
Key Amendments Passed
The amendments passed by the committee included significant modifications to the proposed bill. One notable change relates to the authority responsible for determining government properties in disputes. Previously, the collector would have made this decision. The new amendment states that it will be decided by the state government, whether through a commissioner or a secretary. This shift in authority aims to streamline the process.
Composition of the Waqf Board
Another amendment pertains to the composition of the Waqf Board. Originally, the board consisted of two members. The government proposed expanding it to include three members, one of whom would be an Islamic scholar. The opposition opposed this change, leading to further debate. The committee proceeding reflects a robust discussion aimed at finding a balanced solution.
Timelines for Portal Updates
The committee also addressed the timeline for updating the portal with Waqf properties. Initially, the bill proposed a six-month period for these updates. This period remained unchanged, indicating a compromise between the different factions.
Political Implications
The makeup of the committee, with 16 members from the NDA, including 12 from the BJP, and 13 from opposition parties, demonstrates the political landscape surrounding the bill. The committee’s composition and the result of the amendments reflect the broader political dynamics, particularly concerning the treatment of Waqf properties and their governance.
Section 3C(2) of the Proposed Bill
Section 3C(2) of the proposed bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, sought to empower the government to decide if a property given as Waqf is government land. The provision stated that the collector would have been responsible for making this determination in case of disputes. The rejection of this provision and the introduction of new authorities represent a shift in the bill’s governance structure.
Next Steps
While the committee has made significant progress with 12 amendments, the rejected 44 still hold weight. The opposition members will likely continue to advocate for their amendments as the bill moves through parliament. The committee’s transparent process sets a precedent for future legislative discussions, emphasizing the importance of thorough consideration and democratic engagement.
Chairperson’s Perspective on the Outcome
Chairperson Jagdambika Pal stressed that the amendments passed will strengthen the bill and achieve the government’s goal of benefiting poor and Pasmanda Muslims. She highlighted the democratic process followed, stating, “If the amendments were moved, and there were 16 members voting against them, and only 10 in favor of them, then can those with 10 members supporting them be accepted?” This statement underscores the importance of majority consent in legislative decisions.
Conclusion
The Joint Committee’s deliberations and decisions regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, represent a critical step in the legislative process. The committee’s approach, combining democratic practices with detailed considerations, sets a positive example for future legislative discussions. The outcome of the amendments and the committee’s transparent process will likely influence the final version of the bill and its implications for various stakeholders.
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