On Thursday, August 8, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 sparked intense debate in the Lok Sabha, leading Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to propose referring it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further review. The formation of this committee, as assured by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, comes in response to strong opposition from various leaders who have criticized the Bill, labelling it as “anti-Muslim” and “anti-Constitution.”
Minister Rijiju defended the Bill, asserting that its provisions are designed to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the Waqf Board. He emphasized that the amendments would benefit Muslim women, children, and marginalized groups within the community by making the Waqf Board more inclusive.
Despite these reassurances, several opposition leaders demanded that the Bill be sent to a committee for thorough examination. The decision to refer the Bill to a JPC reflects the government’s acknowledgment of these concerns and its willingness to allow further scrutiny.
One of the most contentious aspects of the Bill is the provision that allows non-Muslims to be part of the Central Waqf Council. Additionally, the Bill proposes granting more power to district collectors and allowing appeals against the decisions of the Waqf Tribunal. These changes have been met with significant criticism, particularly from those who view them as undermining the traditional governance and autonomy of the Waqf Board.
The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has thus become a flashpoint in Indian politics, with the opposition raising concerns about its implications for the Muslim community and the Constitution. The referral to the JPC suggests that the Bill will undergo further scrutiny before any final decision is made.
Minister Rijiju defended the Bill, asserting that its provisions are designed to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the Waqf Board. He emphasized that the amendments would benefit Muslim women, children, and marginalized groups within the community by making the Waqf Board more inclusive.
Despite these reassurances, several opposition leaders demanded that the Bill be sent to a committee for thorough examination. The decision to refer the Bill to a JPC reflects the government’s acknowledgment of these concerns and its willingness to allow further scrutiny.
One of the most contentious aspects of the Bill is the provision that allows non-Muslims to be part of the Central Waqf Council. Additionally, the Bill proposes granting more power to district collectors and allowing appeals against the decisions of the Waqf Tribunal. These changes have been met with significant criticism, particularly from those who view them as undermining the traditional governance and autonomy of the Waqf Board.
The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has thus become a flashpoint in Indian politics, with the opposition raising concerns about its implications for the Muslim community and the Constitution. The referral to the JPC suggests that the Bill will undergo further scrutiny before any final decision is made.