Centre To Send Waqf Amendment Bill To Parliamentary Committee
After reports earlier suggested that the BJP allies TDP and LJP demanded parliamentary review of the Waqf Amendment Bill, the government has now agreed to send the bill to the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to review the provisions.
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, today tabled the controversial Waqf amendment bill, which seeks to cut significant power from the state Waqf boards, amid strong opposition from several political organisations and Muslim bodies. While speaking at the House, the minister assured that a Joint Parliamentary Committee be formed and the bill would be referred to it. He also said that a detailed discussion would be held on the topic.
“We are not running away anywhere. So, if this has to be referred to any committee, I would like to speak on behalf of my govt – a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) be formed, this Bill be referred to it & detailed discussion be held..” news agency ANI quoted the Union Minority Minister.
#WATCH | Speaking in LS on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “…We are not running away anywhere. So, if this has to be referred to any committee, I would like to speak on behalf of my govt – a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) be… pic.twitter.com/awNjhk4Itt
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024
Read Also:“Unconstitutional”: Congress MP Gives Notice Opposing Waqf Amendment Act
The bill sought several changes that included the omission of certain sections that empower the Board to determine if a property is Waqf or not and renaming the Waft Act, 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
Several opposition MPs including Congress MP Hibi Eden highlighted that the bill against the freedom of religions and also an encroachment on the powers under State List, thus a threat to the federal structure. Rejecting the bill, an All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson on Monday Tuesdays urged the NDA allies and the opposition parties to oppose the bill, alleging that it was an attempt by the government to snatch the rights of Muslims.
Read Als0: BJP Allies TDP And LJP Demand Parliamentary Review Of Waqf Bill: Sources
