JPC Study Tour on Waqf Amendment Bill Postponed
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, led by Chairman Jagdambika Pal, has postponed its study tour in Guwahati, Patna, and Lucknow. This decision was made as many committee members are involved in assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as well as by-elections in other states.
Original Tour Plans
The Lok Sabha Secretariat had announced that the JPC would conduct a study tour across five Indian cities, including Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow, from November 9 to November 14. The tour was part of the committee’s examination of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Purpose of the Study Tour
The study visit was intended to help committee members review the proposed bill, which aims to manage and regulate Waqf properties across India. The JPC has been actively working on this since August 22, holding 25 meetings and consulting with 123 stakeholders, including representatives from six states, eight Waqf boards, and four minority commissions.
Next Steps
The JPC is expected to present its report on the bill to the House by the end of the first week of the Winter Session of Parliament, which runs from November 25 to December 20. This effort is part of a broader initiative to reform the Waqf Act for the benefit of the community.
Doubts Revealed
Jagdambika Pal -: Jagdambika Pal is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
JPC -: JPC stands for Joint Parliamentary Committee, which is a group of members from both houses of the Indian Parliament. They come together to discuss and review specific bills or issues.
Waqf Amendment Bill -: The Waqf Amendment Bill is a proposed change to the existing laws governing Waqf properties in India. Waqf properties are lands or assets donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Study Tour -: A study tour is a trip organized for committee members to visit different places to gather information and understand the impact of a bill or policy. In this case, it was planned to review the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Elections -: Elections are events where people vote to choose their leaders or representatives. The committee members are involved in elections, which is why the study tour was postponed.
Stakeholders -: Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest or concern in a particular issue or bill. In this context, they are individuals or organizations consulted by the JPC regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Winter Session of Parliament -: The Winter Session of Parliament is a period when the Indian Parliament meets to discuss and pass laws. It usually happens towards the end of the year.
