The Union Cabinet cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, drawing upon suggestions of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report. The Cabinet approval was made during a February 19 meeting after the report was tabled in both Parliament Houses on February 13. The bill proposes broad reforms in the administration and regulation of Waqf properties all over India.
Opposition Uproar Over JPC Report
The laying of the JPC report in Parliament had drawn heavy protests from Opposition parties. They claimed that their dissenting views were not included in the final report. The government rejected the allegations, saying that the procedure was properly followed in preparing the report.
The agitations in Parliament resulted in temporary adjournments of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Indicating the strong differences between the ruling NDA alliance and the Opposition on the provisions of the bill. In spite of these protests, the Union Cabinet proceeded with the approval of the bill, indicating its intention to introduce it in the next session of Parliament.
Major Changes Proposed in the Waqf Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to make significant changes to the way Waqf boards function in India. The bill, when passed, will introduce significant changes to the process of registering and managing Waqf properties. A few of the important provisions are:
Incorporation of Non-Muslim Members: The bill requires the appointment of a minimum of two non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards, which have until now been solely made up of Muslim members.
Arbitration of Waqf Property Disputes: The bill introduces that the disputes regarding whether a property is Waqf or not will be resolved through a government-nominated arbitrator rather than Waqf tribunals.
Simplification of Property Registration: The amendments aim at making it easier to register Waqf properties to avoid disputes and encroachments.
Increased Government Control: The bill increases the role of the government in overseeing and administering Waqf properties, kand eeping administration transparent.
JPC Report and the Amendments
The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, undertook a thorough examination of the bill and recommended a number of amendments. In its discussions, the committee made 14 amendments, all of which were made by ruling NDA members. Opposition MPs’ proposed amendments were rejected outright during the clause-by-clause debate.
The committee completed its report on January 30, a day after it officially accepted the amendments on January 29. The opposition had previously requested changes to safeguard the independence of Waqf boards, but these were rejected by the panel.
Timeline of the Waqf Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was to be introduced in the Winter Session of November 2024. However it was referred to the JPC because of the sensitivity and complexity of the proposed amendments.
Now, since it has got the approval of the Cabinet, the bill should be introduced during the second part of the 2025 Budget Session, commencing March 10. Upon passing, it will supersede the current infrastructure governing Waqf properties.
Impact on Waqf Bill Governance
The suggested amendments represent a dramatic change in the Waqf administration in India. The addition of non-Muslim members and the delegation of powers to resolve disputes to a government-appointed arbitrator have been the most contentious features of the bill.
Critics contend that these reforms erode the autonomy of Waqf boards, which have historically administered properties given for religious and charitable causes by the Muslim community. Supporters, however, are of the opinion that government regulation and representation from a variety of groups will provide more transparency and efficiency in the administration of Waqf assets.
Opposition and Minority Concerns
The Opposition, as well as a number of Muslim groups, has raised strong objections to the bill. Their main concerns are:
Threat to Autonomy of Waqf: Most argue that the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf boards weakens the character of Waqf properties. Which are intended to be used for Muslim religious and charitable objectives.
Government Intervention: The transfer of powers regarding the resolution of disputes to government authorities rather than Waqf tribunals has instilled concerns regarding political intervention in Waqf affairs.
Rejection of Opposition Amendments: NDA members’ unilateral adoption of amendments while turning down Opposition ones has added fire to accusations of partiality.
What Next?: Next Steps Ahead
The bill is set to be tabled in March 2025 and widely debated in Parliament. Since the matter is delicate, it will likely prove a thorny issue over the next few weeks.
If enacted, the bill will supplant the present Waqf Act, bringing new rules for governing thousands of Waqf properties in India. The government contends that the reforms will contain corruption and mismanagement. But the critics warn they may undermine community control of Waqf property.
FAQs
1. What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill makes amendments to the management of Waqf properties. Such as the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf boards and the alteration of dispute resolution mechanisms.
2. Why is the bill controversial?
The bill has been controversial as it brings non-Muslim members to Waqf boards and shifts property dispute resolution to government-appointed arbitrators, causing fears of political interference.
3. When will the bill be placed in Parliament?
The bill is likely to be placed during the second half of the 2025 Budget Session, beginning on March 10.
4. How does this bill affect Waqf properties?
The bill, if enacted, will alter the way Waqf properties are registered and governed. With the potential for greater government control and less community control.
5. What were the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s suggestions?
The JPC cleared 14 NDA members’ amendments while turning down all modifications. Proposed by Opposition MPs, generating political scandal in the process.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill passage will be a landmark for India’s religious property administration. Through the debate, its extent of influence on Waqf properties as well as the general Muslim populace will be closely monitored.
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