Waqf Bill Amendments Approved by NDA, Opposition Recommendations Rejected

On January 27, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) approved amendments to the Waqf Bill. JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal stated that all 44 amendments were discussed in the final meeting. Among these, 14 suggestions from NDA MPs were approved. Opposition members also made some proposals, but these were rejected during voting.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee will present its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during the budget session. The committee's tenure was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act 1995, created to regularize Waqf properties, has faced criticism for mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment issues.

JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal stated after the meeting that the amendments adopted by the committee will improve the law and make it more effective. However, opposition MPs condemned the proceedings and accused Pal of undermining the democratic process. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee stated that the meetings were absurd and that their concerns were ignored, accusing Pal of operating in a dictatorial manner. In response, Jagdambika Pal clarified that the entire process was democratic, with the majority opinion being prioritized.