Kamrup (Assam) [India], November 9 (HBTV): The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, chaired by JPC Chairman Jagatambika Pal, commenced its meeting in Guwahati, Assam, on Saturday. This meeting is part of the JPC’s study tour across five cities — Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow — from November 9 to 14 to examine the proposed bill.

Speaking to ANI before the meeting, Pal explained that representatives from the Assam government, the state Waqf board, the state minority commission, High Court lawyers, and other stakeholders would participate in today’s discussion in Guwahati.

"We will consult representatives from the Assam State Government, the Waqf board, the state minority commission, High Court lawyers, and other stakeholders. Today, we will discuss in detail with officials from the Northeast, the boards, and stakeholders regarding our amendment bill," Pal said.

Pal noted that the government had requested the Speaker to refer this bill to the JPC, signaling its intent for comprehensive discussion. "It’s clear the government wants maximum discussion on this... Opposition MPs and all stakeholders have been actively involved in this tour for the past two months. This JPC was constituted by the Speaker of Parliament, providing a platform for MPs from all parties to participate," he added.

The JPC is expected to present its report on the bill by the first week of the Winter Session of Parliament, scheduled from November 25 to December 20. The committee’s work forms part of a broader national initiative aimed at reforming the Waqf Act to ensure Waqf properties are utilized for the community’s benefit.

Since its first meeting on August 22, the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has conducted 25 meetings, during which it reviewed the work of six ministries and consulted 123 stakeholders, including representatives from six states, eight Waqf boards, and four minority commissions.

"I chaired the first meeting on August 22, and we’ve since held 25 meetings. We’ve examined six ministries and engaged with 37 stakeholders, including Islamic and minority organizations. Approximately 123 stakeholders have appeared before the committee, including MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and a Minister of State from Gujarat, as well as representatives from six states, eight Waqf boards, and four minority commissions," Pal said.

The original Waqf Act of 1995 was established to regulate Waqf properties but has faced criticism over issues of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha this August, aims to introduce sweeping reforms, including digitization, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. 

(ANI)