In response to recent controversies surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), has assured that the government will not acquire Waqf properties. This statement comes amidst calls from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) for the immediate withdrawal of the bill.
Jagdambika Pal emphasised that the government’s primary goal is to improve the administration of Waqf properties. He clarified that the committee, which he leads, is actively considering all suggestions and concerns related to the bill. A comprehensive report will be prepared and presented in the next parliamentary session.
“The government has introduced this bill to enhance the management of Waqf properties,” Pal stated. “We have established a Joint Parliamentary Committee to address all issues related to the bill. We are listening to everyone’s concerns and will submit our report in the first week of the next session.”
Addressing fears that the bill might lead to the government seizing Waqf properties, Pal reassured that Waqf properties will continue to be under Waqf control. “I want to reiterate that Waqf properties will remain with Waqf authorities. The government has no intention of acquiring them,” he said.
Pal’s comments came after concerns were raised by various opposition leaders, including AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Owaisi criticised the bill, citing instances where governments have taken over Waqf properties and questioned the implications of the proposed changes. He argued that the bill could lead to the government’s increased control over properties given for charitable purposes by the Muslim community.
Owaisi also expressed concerns about the potential appointment of non-Muslim members to the Waqf board. He drew a comparison to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Act of 1983, which specifies that only Hindu members can be part of its board, highlighting what he sees as a double standard.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee, consisting of 31 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is tasked with a thorough review of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2023.
Introduced during the budget session, the bill aims to streamline Waqf property management and ensure better governance. However, opposition parties argue that the amendments could undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions and lead to government overreach.
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