JPC clears Waqf Amendment Bill, Waqf Board to lose Muslim-centric nature, efforts underway to pass bill during budget session

NEW DELHI: With the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) clearing the Waqf Amendment Bill without incorporating any suggestions from the opposition, the Waqf Board is most likely to lose its Muslim-centric nature.

The JPC meeting held on Monday approved 14 amendments proposed by the ruling party, including the inclusion of two non-Muslims and female members in the governing committee.

JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal aims to submit the final report with these amendments by January 31. The JPC will meet again on Wednesday to finalize the report.

Jagdambika Pal, the BJP MP and JPC Chairman, stated that each proposed amendment was discussed in detail. The ruling party's amendments received 16 votes in favour, while 10 members opposed them. The ruling party holds a majority in the JPC.

The central government had proposed 44 amendments in the bill introduced in August 2024. Of these, 14 changes were made in the JPC.

BJP and other MPs from the NDA bloc proposed 23 suggestions, all of which were accepted, while all 44 suggestions from the opposition were rejected. With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, efforts are underway to present and pass the bill during the budget session beginning on January 31.

Key changes:
1. State Waqf Boards can appoint a non-Muslim member as the CE. At least two board members must be non-Muslims. Muslim women can also be appointed as members.

2. The Central Waqf Council must include the Union Minister, three Members of Parliament, two former judges, four nationally prominent individuals, and senior government officials. It is not mandatory for them to be Muslim.

3. The authority to decide whether the land belongs to the government or the Waqf Board will rest with an officer appointed by the government.

MPs in JPC

Total - 31.
NDA - 16
Opposition - 13
YSR Congress - 1
Nominated Member – 1