The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill recently concluded its on-site visits with a significant meeting in Lucknow. This meeting brought together a wide range of people, including ministers from Uttar Pradesh, state government employees, members of the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards, representatives from the minority commission, and leaders of Islamic schools. The goal was to collect final comments and concerns regarding the planned changes to the current Waqf law. Throughout their travels, the JPC has been actively gathering suggestions and objections from many different groups who are affected by this law.
The committee’s job is very important because they are working to create a balanced bill that takes everyone’s worries into account. In Lucknow, discussions centered on how the Waqf (Amendment) Bill might affect the way religious properties are managed. For example, they examined how the proposed changes could impact the daily operations of these institutions. The committee is now carefully reviewing all the information they collected, including different opinions about the proposed changes. They are working hard to finish their report quickly.
Next, the JPC plans to hold more meetings in Delhi on January 24 and 25. During these sessions, they will put together all their findings and write a complete report that includes the feedback they received during their visits. According to a source close to the JPC, they are dedicated to addressing all concerns before they present their final report. The report is expected to be presented during the upcoming Budget session of Parliament. This could potentially lead to major changes in how Waqf properties are handled. This entire process emphasizes how important it is to involve the people who will be affected when creating laws about religious institutions and communities.