The chairperson of the parliamentary committee reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Jagdambika Pal, has publicly stated that the bill should not cause alarm. He emphasized that the proposed law will not take any religious place away from anyone. Pal made these comments while speaking with reporters, prior to meeting with different groups including representatives from Kashmir. The goal of these discussions is to clarify concerns around the new legislation. The bill, he stated, is primarily aimed at preventing the misuse of Waqf properties.
A major point of concern has been the misconception that the Muslim community will lose their religious places because of the bill. Pal clarified that the Waqf Board is not a religious body itself. Instead, it is responsible for overseeing properties that have been donated for charitable and religious purposes. He explained that the bill focuses on making sure these properties are used correctly. This addresses the issue of mismanagement and illegal occupation that has unfortunately occurred in the past. Therefore, the new regulations aim to provide better governance over the Waqf properties.
The main goal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is to bring more transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf assets. This involves making sure that these properties serve their intended purpose and benefit the community. The committee is holding discussions with various groups to get their input. This careful approach ensures all viewpoints are considered before finalizing the bill. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to protect Waqf properties from misuse, not to interfere with religious freedoms or take away religious sites. The focus is on restoring trust and ensuring these assets are managed effectively for the good of the community.