MP Jagadambika Pal Leads Second Meeting on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in New Delhi
The second meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament, led by MP Jagadambika Pal, on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, took place on Friday at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi.
Key Participants
The committee invited several organizations to share their views, including:
- All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama, Mumbai
- Indian Muslims for Civil Rights, Delhi
- Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board
- Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf
Concerns Raised
Muslim organizations expressed concerns about various clauses in the bill, particularly the ‘Waqf by Users’ issue, which they believe affects their religious practices. They also objected to the role of the Survey Commissioner being assigned to the Collector.
Political Reactions
Opposition party members supported the Muslim organizations’ concerns, while members of the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena opposed them. Parties like LJP, JDU, and TDP took a balanced stance.
Bill Details
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, and introduce several changes, including:
- Defining ‘Waqf’ more clearly
- Ensuring women’s inheritance rights
- Omitting ‘Waqf by user’ provisions
- Assigning Survey Commissioner duties to the Collector
- Broadening the composition of Waqf Councils and Boards
- Establishing a separate Board for Boharas and Aghakhanis
- Reforming the Tribunal structure
Public Participation
The Joint Committee has invited public, NGOs, experts, and stakeholders to submit their views and suggestions within 15 days. Submissions can be sent to the Joint Secretary of the Lok Sabha Secretariat or via email.
Next Meetings
The next meetings are scheduled for September 5 and 6, where representatives from various ministries and organizations will provide their input on the bill.
Doubts Revealed
MP Jagadambika Pal -: MP stands for Member of Parliament. Jagadambika Pal is a person who is a member of the Indian Parliament.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 -: A bill is a proposal for a new law. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is a proposal to change the existing Waqf Act, 1995, which deals with properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India where important government meetings and decisions take place.
Joint Committee of Parliament -: This is a group of members from both houses of the Indian Parliament who come together to discuss and review specific bills or issues.
Muslim organizations -: These are groups or associations that represent the interests and concerns of the Muslim community in India.
‘Waqf by Users’ -: This is a term in the bill that refers to properties used by people for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Survey Commissioner -: A Survey Commissioner is an official responsible for identifying and recording details about Waqf properties.
Opposition parties -: These are political parties that are not in power and often challenge or question the decisions of the ruling party.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
Shiv Sena -: Shiv Sena is another political party in India, mainly active in the state of Maharashtra.
Waqf Act, 1995 -: This is an existing law in India that deals with properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Public views -: This means that ordinary people are invited to share their opinions or thoughts about the bill.
