New Delhi, January 25, 2025 – The next meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled for January 27, 2025. The committee’s earlier meetings were postponed twice due to disruptions caused by opposition protests, leading to the suspension of some members.
Committee Chairperson Jagdambika Pal explained that opposition MPs disrupted proceedings with slogans and protests, forcing the suspension. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey introduced a resolution against the protesting members, which received support from other committee members.
Responding to allegations of agenda changes, Pal clarified that the modifications were made at the request of opposition leaders. He added that Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and his delegation were invited to the meeting based on opposition demands. The delegation expressed objections and suggestions regarding certain provisions of the bill.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had previously referred the bill to the JPC for detailed discussions. Addressing concerns about the bill being rushed ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, Pal dismissed such claims as baseless. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to ensure transparency in Wakf properties, eliminate corruption and mismanagement, digitize records, and establish a legal framework to remove illegal encroachments.
The JPC is expected to present its report during the Budget Session, which runs from January 31 to April 4, 2025. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.
