Opposition MPs seek tenure extension for Waqf JPC, say many stakeholders yet to present views.


Opposition MPs have sought an extension for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, citing that many stakeholders are yet to present their views. The JPC, chaired by Jagadambika Pal, was formed to review the Bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to ensure more accountability and transparency in the functioning of Waqf Boards.¹

The opposition members, including those from the DMK, Congress, and Trinamool Congress, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to express their concerns. They alleged that the chairman was “bulldozing” the proceedings and not allowing adequate time for discussion. The opposition members also pointed out that several stakeholders, including state governments and Muslim organizations, were yet to present their views.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The Bill aims to ensure more accountability and transparency in the functioning of Waqf Boards and also has provisions for mandatory inclusion of women in these bodies.²

The JPC chairman, Jagadambika Pal, has agreed to extend the tenure of the committee, stating that the panel unanimously agreed on the need to extend its tenure to address unresolved issues.³ The decision comes after opposition members walked out of the meeting, demanding a tenure extension.

The extension of the JPC’s tenure is expected to provide more time for stakeholders to present their views and for the committee to deliberate on the Bill. The opposition members have welcomed the decision, stating that it will ensure a more thorough examination of the Bill.


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