Discussion on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Meeting Overview
A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was held in New Delhi, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. This meeting included the participation of the Muslim Women Intellectual Group, led by Shalini Ali, marking the first time a women’s group was invited to discuss the bill.
Key Discussions
The Muslim Women Intellectual Group raised concerns about the Waqf Board’s lack of social welfare activities and its control by a few influential individuals. They sought clarifications on the Board’s support for orphans, widows, and measures against land mafias.
Other organizations, including Jamiyat Himaytul Islam led by Qari Abrar Jamal, also expressed concerns about the Waqf Board’s role in social welfare and suggested reducing the role of Mutwallis and increasing oversight by the Collector.
Additional Views
Shia Muslim Dharmgurus and Intellectuals, led by Maulana Kokab Mujtaba, highlighted the destruction of Auqaf since the Waqf Act of 1954 and called for the passage of the new bill. Vishwa Shanti Parishad, led by Faiz Ahmad Faiz, supported the bill but opposed the appointment of District Collectors as Survey Commissioners.
Jamaat-e-Islam-e-Hind, led by Malik Moatasim Khan, opposed the bill, stating that the existing law is sufficient.
Future Meetings
The JPC will continue meetings to gather input from various groups, including Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Parishad and others. Opposition MPs have also sought to discuss the frequent meetings with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Background
The Waqf Act, 1995, has faced allegations of mismanagement and corruption. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to introduce reforms such as digitization, stricter audits, and legal mechanisms to reclaim properties.
Doubts Revealed
Waqf -: Waqf is a religious endowment in Islam, where property or money is donated for religious or charitable purposes. It is like a trust that helps in funding mosques, schools, and other community services.
Amendment Bill -: An amendment bill is a proposal to change or add to an existing law. In this case, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is a proposal to change the Waqf Act, 1995.
Joint Parliamentary Committee -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a group of members from both houses of the Indian Parliament who come together to discuss and review specific issues or bills. They help in making sure the laws are well thought out.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. MP means Member of Parliament. Jagdambika Pal is a politician from this party who is part of the Indian Parliament.
Muslim Women Intellectual Group -: This is a group of Muslim women who come together to discuss and share ideas on important issues affecting their community. They focus on intellectual and social matters.
Waqf Board -: The Waqf Board is an organization that manages the waqf properties and funds. They ensure that the donations are used properly for the intended religious or charitable purposes.
Jamiyat Himaytul Islam -: Jamiyat Himaytul Islam is an organization that works for the welfare and education of Muslims. They focus on helping the community through various social and educational programs.
Shia Muslim Dharmgurus -: Shia Muslim Dharmgurus are religious leaders from the Shia branch of Islam. They guide their community in religious and social matters.
Waqf Act, 1995 -: The Waqf Act, 1995 is a law in India that governs the management and administration of waqf properties. It sets rules on how these properties should be used and maintained.
