The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, convened yesterday under the leadership of Lok Sabha MP Jagdambika Pal. The meeting included an in-depth discussion with representatives of Darul Uloom Deoband, alongside inputs from various stakeholders, including legal experts and Waqf Board members from different states and Union Territories. The committee comprises 31 members, with 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, including representatives from the opposition.

The proposed bill seeks to introduce significant changes in the management of Waqf properties, with reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Key provisions include the digitization of Waqf records, enhanced auditing protocols, and legal mechanisms to reclaim properties that have been illegally occupied. These changes are expected to modernize the administration of Waqf assets while safeguarding their intended purposes.

The committee is conducting a series of consultations with diverse community representatives and officials to ensure a balanced approach to the amendments. The goal is to formulate a robust legal framework that addresses longstanding issues while promoting fairness and good governance in Waqf property management.