Parliament Winter Session: No Waqf Bill this time, JPC will ask for more time to consult stakeholders amid government-opposition clash. peppermint

Parliament Winter Session: The controversial bill to amend the Waqf Act is unlikely to be taken up in this winter session of Parliament as the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to examine it has sought extension of the November 29 deadline to submit its report. Will do. ,

The JPC is expected to seek extension till the last day of the next budget session of Parliament after a stormy meeting of the panel following a brief walkout by opposition members on November 27. The JPC finally unanimously decided to ask for more time. Finalize its report.

JPC chairperson and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal on November 27 said she would move a motion to extend the tenure of the panel that is examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Opposition members on the panel are demanding extension of the tenure of the joint committee to listen to more stakeholders.

“In these three months, we had 29 meetings, more than 147 delegations came… We have given a chance to all organizations. That was the mandate of the JPC… If they (opposition MPs) think we need to hear something More people – should not boycott the meeting… I listened to all the members including Sanjay Singh, Kalyan Banerjee, Asaduddin Owaisi… My opinion is that I will move a motion tomorrow for extension of the tenure of the JPC in the House, “Paal Ko News Agency ANI was quoted as saying.

The winter session of Parliament began on 25 November. The session, which will conclude on December 20, was marred by uproar with opposition members demanding discussion on the Manipur violence and bribery allegations against the Adani Group. On Monday and Wednesday, the proceedings of both the houses were adjourned for the day. No work was scheduled on Tuesday due to Constitution Day programs.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government had listed 16 bills, including the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, for the session. According to the bulletin of the Lok Sabha, five bills have been listed for introduction, consideration and passing, while 10 bills are for consideration and passing.

Jagdambika Pal to seek extension

Pal and BJP MP Dilip Saikia are expected to move a motion to extend the time for the JPC’s presentation on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, till the last day of the Budget session, 2025.

Opposition MPs walked out of the JPC meeting on Wednesday, saying the committee had ignored several state boards. The protesting members accused Pal of claiming that the draft report of the panel was ready. Temperatures cooled after Pal and BJP members of the committee reached out to him, indicating his willingness to press for an extension of the November 29 deadline to submit his report in the Lok Sabha.

“Today, Nishikant Dubey and other members said that we have to invite some other stakeholders, state officials and listen…so, we feel we should expand…I will consider it and then we Will bring a proposal before the Lok Sabha tomorrow or day after tomorrow,” Pal said.

Speaking to the media after leaving the meeting, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that many stakeholders want to give their opinion.

“The order is that the report should be given on November 29. How can we give it? There is a process that should be followed, which has not been done. The most important thing is that this committee has not visited Bihar Or West Bengal. There are many stakeholders whom we want to hear. Why is this committee not allowing all the stakeholders to participate?”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh said it would be unfair to submit the report before hearing all the stakeholders. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said that some important stakeholders have not been called. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the process was biased.

The committee is expected to visit some states to meet various stakeholders.

comprehensive reform

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce comprehensive reforms including digitalization, strict audit, greater transparency and legal mechanism to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

Waqf Bill was on the agenda of the government in the winter session. The panel constituted in the last session was tasked to submit its report by the last day of the first week of this session.

The controversial bill introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament aims to reduce the powers of the Waqf Board. There was an uproar in the House upon its introduction and the bill was then sent to the JPC for thorough scrutiny.

Opposition parties have sharply criticized the amendments proposed by the bill to the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims. The ruling BJP has claimed that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of Waqf boards and make them accountable.

(with inputs from agencies)