First JPC Meeting on Waqf Bill

The first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill witnessed heated exchanges as opposition members raised concerns about several provisions, including the appointment of non-Muslims to Waqf boards and empowering district collectors to decide on property disputes. Despite these objections, Committee Chairperson Jagdambika Pal described the six-hour meeting as 'fruitful' and emphasized the committee's commitment to consider all stakeholders' views. The bill, introduced by the BJP-led NDA government, aims to reform the registration process for Waqf properties through a centralized portal and establish a Central Waqf Council with representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims. Opposition parties and Muslim organizations have protested the bill, viewing it as an attack on constitutional values and the Muslim community. The next meeting is scheduled for August 30, where the committee will continue to hear from various state Waqf bodies.