The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with reviewing the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to present its findings during the upcoming budget session of Parliament. Jagdambika Pal, the committee’s chairman, confirmed this timeline, expressing optimism that the committee will reach an agreement on the report. This announcement marks a significant step forward after months of discussions surrounding the proposed changes to the Waqf Act, which governs the management of religious endowments under Islamic law.
For the past six months, the JPC has dedicated significant time to examining the Waqf bill. Throughout this period, they have held numerous meetings with a variety of people and groups affected by the law. These discussions with stakeholders from across the country have been vital in helping the committee form its recommendations. Pal emphasized the careful approach, saying, “JPC has been constantly deliberating for the last six months. Meetings with stakeholders across the country are going on. We are going to present the report in the budget session.”
The intended amendments aim to improve the way Waqf properties are managed and administered. The committee’s focus on achieving agreement shows their commitment to creating a bill that is widely accepted. By considering different viewpoints and concerns, they hope to create a law that addresses the needs of those involved. This process of reviewing and amending the current law involves careful consideration of identified issues.
Pal stated, “I am confident that there will be a consensus on the report,” indicating his belief in a positive outcome. The submission of this report represents a crucial stage in the potential reform of how Waqf properties are handled. As a result, both the Muslim community and government officials will be paying close attention to these developments. This step could lead to significant changes in the way these religious endowments are managed in the future.