The joint committee of Parliament convened for its second meeting on Friday to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aims to overhaul the registration process for Waqf properties through a centralized portal. The committee, led by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, spent the day hearing from various Muslim organizations, including the All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama from Mumbai and the Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR) based in Delhi.
This bill represents the BJP-led NDA government's first major effort to reform how Waqf properties are managed. Key aspects of the proposed reforms include establishing a Central Waqf Council and state-level Waqf Boards, which will include representation for Muslim women and non-Muslim representatives.
One of the most debated provisions of the bill is the proposal to appoint the district collector as the main authority to decide whether a property is classified as Waqf or government land.
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, the bill has sparked significant controversy. The government has emphasized that the bill is not meant to interfere with mosque operations, while critics argue it targets Muslims and undermines constitutional rights.
During the committee's first extended meeting earlier this month, opposition members raised concerns about several aspects of the bill following a presentation by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. Meanwhile, BJP members have praised the proposed amendments, particularly those aimed at empowering women.
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