THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Nov 28: The Lok Sabha adopted a resolution on Thursday to extend the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill until the final day of next year’s Budget session of Parliament.
The resolution was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Committee Chairman and BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, and it was passed through a voice vote.
Although the Lok Sabha had formed the committee on August 8 and the bill was initially scheduled to be presented in the current winter session, it is now being said that its introduction has been delayed due to the ongoing disputes in the JPC meetings.
Notably, opposition leaders, particularly AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, do not agree with the working style of the JPC and certain provisions of the bill.
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Every meeting of the JPC formed to review the Waqf Bill has been marked by chaos and intense debates. There have been frequent arguments and allegations between BJP and opposition party members. In one meeting, reports even surfaced of a bottle being thrown. Experts suggest that these disputes have affected many of the JPC’s crucial tasks.
To delve into the matter, in 2013, the UPA government significantly increased the powers of the Waqf Board. Notably ordinary Muslims, poor Muslim women, children of divorced Muslim women, and communities like Shia and Bohra have been demanding changes to the Waqf law for a long time.
According to them, ordinary Muslims are currently not included in the Waqf, and the Waqf Board consists only of powerful individuals. There is no assessment of the revenue generated by Waqf, and it should be recorded.
Currently, there are 30 Waqf Boards in the country. According to information, Waqf properties generate an annual revenue of 200 crore rupees.
