Parliament Committee Discusses Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
The Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, began its meeting at the Parliament Annexe building in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. The Minority Affairs Ministry was present to provide their oral evidence as requested by the committee.
The committee plans to reconvene on October 22 to hear from Justice in Reality and Panchasakha Prachar Bani Mandali, both based in Cuttack, Odisha. Additionally, a group of five MPs from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will share their views on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Joint Committee’s efforts are part of a national initiative to reform the Waqf Act, ensuring waqf properties benefit the community. The original Waqf Act of 1995 has faced issues like mismanagement and corruption. The new amendment aims to introduce digitization, stricter audits, transparency, and legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
The committee is conducting multiple meetings to gather insights from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives across states and Union Territories to ensure comprehensive reform.
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 support mosques, schools, or hospitals.
Amendment Bill -: An amendment bill is a proposal to change or add to an existing law. In this case, it is about making changes to the Waqf Act, 1995.
Minority Affairs Ministry -: The Minority Affairs Ministry is a part of the Indian government that looks after the interests and welfare of minority communities in India, like Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and others.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. MP means Member of Parliament, and Jagdambika Pal is a politician from this party who is part of the committee discussing the bill.
Justice in Reality -: Justice in Reality is likely a group or organization that focuses on legal and justice-related issues. They are being consulted for their views on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Panchasakha Prachar Bani Mandali -: This is an organization from Cuttack, Odisha. They are involved in cultural or religious activities and are being consulted for their opinion on the bill.
Indian Union Muslim League -: The Indian Union Muslim League is a political party in India that represents the interests of the Muslim community. They are part of the discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Digitization -: Digitization means converting information into a digital format. In this context, it refers to making records of Waqf properties available online for better management and transparency.
Stricter audits -: Stricter audits mean more thorough checks and reviews of financial records. This is to ensure that Waqf properties are managed properly and without corruption.