New Delhi: The Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 convened today in New Delhi to gather feedback and suggestions from a range of stakeholders. The meeting, chaired by Lok Sabha MP Jagdambika Pal, aimed to solicit input from the public, non-governmental organizations, experts, and institutions.
The Committee, which met for the first time on August 22, 2024, is comprised of 31 members, including 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to address current deficiencies and improve the administration and management of waqf properties. Key provisions of the Bill include renaming the Waqf Act, 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. It proposes assigning the responsibilities of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or a Deputy Collector-level officer for waqf property surveys.
Additionally, the Bill outlines a more inclusive composition for the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation from Muslim women, non-Muslims, and various Muslim sects including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, and Agakhani communities. It also proposes the establishment of a separate Board of Waqf for Boharas and Aghakhanis and aims to reform the Tribunal structure, including provisions for appeals to the High Court within ninety days.
The text of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is available in both Hindi and English on the Lok Sabha website. Following its introduction in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session, the Bill has been referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament for detailed examination and feedback.