Parliament Panel Approves Waqf (Amendment) Bill Amid Opposition Dissent

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has adopted the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at reforming the Waqf Act, 1995, to improve the management of Waqf properties.

Introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the bill proposes key changes, including increasing non-Muslim representation, appointing state officials, and expanding Waqf tribunals.

While 16 members supported the bill, 11 opposed it, citing inadequate review time.

The Parliament panel adopted all amendments proposed by members of the ruling BJP-led NDA and rejected every change suggested by opposition members in a clause-by-clause discussion.

The revised bill is set to be submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday for further legislative action.