BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi Discusses Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, emphasized the committee’s dedication to considering all opinions on the bill. The JPC has conducted over 100 hours of discussions across 25 sittings since August, engaging with 146 organizations. The committee has invited 195 organizations nationwide to share their views, focusing on transparency and comprehensive reform.
Sarangi stated, “We have sat for more than 100 hours till now. And during these 100 hours in these 25 sittings, we have been able to listen to a huge number of organizations. 195 organizations from all over the country, from different states, wanted to speak before us and put forth their views. Out of these 195, 146 organizations have come so far and have put forth their views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee… Once we take all the concerns, all the views, then we will be shaping the Bill and we will be presenting before the Lok Sabha Speaker.”
The JPC was formed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on August 9, 2024, with its first meeting on August 22, 2024. Sarangi noted that the committee has received 95,86,000 suggestions via courier, email, or in person, all of which are being carefully considered. The JPC is visiting various states to gather input from state government officials, with mixed views on the proposed 44 amendments to the Waqf Act of 1995.
Recently, the JPC visited Guwahati, where the Assam state government supported all 44 amendments. In Bhubaneswar, 13 organizations and around 100 individuals are expected to present their views. JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal mentioned that 16 delegations, including High Court lawyers and Islamic scholars, have expressed interest in appearing before the committee.
Pal addressed the opposition’s boycott of the JPC’s study tour, stating that the meetings aim to gather suggestions and are not political. He defended the study tours, explaining that not all committee members need to be present at every meeting, as the goal is to hear from various stakeholders.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It is known for its nationalist policies.
MP -: MP stands for Member of Parliament. In India, MPs are elected representatives who make laws and discuss important issues in the Parliament.
Aparajita Sarangi -: Aparajita Sarangi is a politician in India and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She serves as a Member of Parliament.
Waqf -: Waqf is a religious endowment in Islam, where property or money is donated for religious or charitable purposes. It is managed by a Waqf board.
Amendment Bill -: An Amendment Bill is a proposal to change or add to an existing law. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to make changes to the current Waqf laws.
Joint Parliamentary Committee -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a group of members from both houses of Parliament in India. They are formed to discuss and examine specific issues or bills.
Lok Sabha Speaker -: The Lok Sabha Speaker is the person who presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of India’s Parliament. Om Birla is the current Speaker.
Guwahati and Bhubaneswar -: Guwahati is a city in the state of Assam, and Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the state of Odisha. Both are important cities in eastern India.