Waqf Amendment Bill: JPC to Seek Suggestions from States, Key Meetings on December 26-27

New Delhi/ The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill has been granted an extension until the last day of the Budget Session 2025. This decision was approved by the Lok Sabha, allowing the committee more time to deliberate on the proposed amendments. The committee will conduct meetings to record oral evidence from state representatives on December 26 and 27, marking a significant step forward in the legislative process.

Scheduled Meetings with State Representatives

The committee plans to hold discussions with representatives from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan on December 26, followed by meetings with representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi on December 27.

On Thursday, the committee engaged with Muslim representatives from Lucknow and Rajasthan. Among the attendees were Professor Mahrukh Mirza, former Vice-Chancellor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow, and Syed Abu Bakar Naqvi, former chairman of the Rajasthan Waqf Board. They presented their proposed amendments and answered questions posed by committee members.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the committee also met with members of the All India Shia Personal Law Board to hear their perspectives on the bill.

Background and Legislative Updates

The JPC's extended tenure comes in response to the complexity and sensitivity of the Waqf Amendment Bill. Initially, the committee was expected to submit its report by the end of this week. However, the chairperson, Jagdambika Pal, emphasized the need for more time to ensure comprehensive deliberation.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 by the Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. Alongside it, the Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, was also tabled to nullify obsolete laws. The new legislation is named the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development Act, or "UMMEED."

Opposition's Stand

The bill faced significant opposition during its introduction, prompting the government to refer it to the JPC for further examination on August 9.

As the JPC continues its consultations and deliberations, its findings will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Waqf management in India. The upcoming meetings with state representatives are expected to provide critical insights for the committee’s final recommendations.