The decision reflects a wider consensus within the NDA, in which Nitish Kumar played a crucial role.
The Center's decision to refer the Waqf Commission Amendment Bill 2024 to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was taken after extensive consultations with NDA allies.
The Centre's decision to refer the Religious Endowment Commission Act Amendment Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was supported by National Democratic Alliance allies including Janata Dal (United) leader. After Union Minister and JDU leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan gave a strong defense in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the party on Friday clarified its stance on the Religious Funds Commission Act amendment bill position. Bihar Water Resources Minister and JDU leader Vijay Chaudhary expressed support for the bill and welcomed the Centre's decision to refer it to the JPC. Chaudhary pointed out that the waqf committee amendment bill was tabled in Parliament on August 8 and has been sent to the juvenile PC on the request of the Centre. He described the initiative as both appropriate and commendable.
Chowdhury further explained that the introduction of the bill has triggered concerns and confusion among Muslims. He said it was a positive step to refer the bill to the JPC for thorough scrutiny and parliamentary scrutiny. He expects members of minority communities will now have the opportunity to provide input to the committee. Following the leadership of JDU and the guidance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Chaudhry assured that the bill will be sensitive in dealing with minority issues and expressed confidence that once the bill is adopted from If the JPC returns, it will not face further controversy.
Sources revealed that the Center's decision to submit the Waqf Commission Amendment Bill 2024 to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was taken after extensive consultations with NDA allies. Key figures including Lok Sabha leader and Union minister Nitish Kumar and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu were present played an important role in advocating for this measure. Their involvement aims to prevent any confusion or misunderstanding by clarifying the intent of the bill and addressing concerns within the Muslim community.
The decision reflects a wider consensus within the NDA, in which Nitish Kumar played a crucial role. Kumar is known for his liberal stance on minority issues and his approach seeks to avoid any group bias. Recent interactions with Muslim leaders further underlined his commitment to addressing their concerns, which influenced the Center's decision to accommodate allies' demands without hindrance. This strategy helps reverse opposition attempts to politicize the issue and ensures a more transparent process.
On August 8, during a debate on the Waqf Commission Amendment Bill in Parliament, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (also known as Lalan Singh) strongly refuted the opposition's accusation that the bill was anti-Muslim. Singh, a close ally of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, defended the bill, claiming it was aimed at promoting transparency and not targeting any religious community. Singh criticized the opposition for suggesting that the bill discriminates against Muslims, calling such claims baseless. He stressed that comparisons with temple or gurudwara management were inappropriate and claimed that the bill was aimed at bringing transparency in the functioning of waqf boards. Singh also appealed for people to have a clear understanding of the intention of the bill and assured that the purpose of the bill is to ensure accountability within the Waqf Board and not to harm any community.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh strongly refuted the opposition's claims on the Waqf Bill, claiming there was no intention to interfere with mosques. He stressed that the bill was aimed at introducing transparency into institutions established by law and was not targeting any religious group. Singh argued that the bill was aimed at ensuring accountability within the Waqf Board and criticized the opposition for creating confusion by drawing unfounded comparisons with the temple management. He claimed that the purpose of the bill was to address authoritarian practices in any legally established institution and to promote transparency without any religious bias. Singh's defense solidified the JDU's support for the bill. With the bill now before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), the Center has an opportunity to gain further support and resolve any remaining issues.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan also responded to the opposition's allegations regarding the waqf amendment bill, saying it was wrong for the opposition to focus on why the bill was introduced now as the bill has just been introduced and has not been passed yet. He accused the opposition of trying to sow confusion and fear among Muslims by falsely portraying the bill as anti-Muslim. Paswan clarified that the bill was aimed at increasing transparency within the Waqf Board and not discriminating against any community. He assured that his views on the bill would be thoroughly submitted to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Paswan also pointed out that the bill has been in the works for some time and any suggestion of political motivation due to the upcoming elections is baseless.
What is the Waqf Committee Amendment Bill 2024?
The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes several significant changes in the management of waqf properties. The Act provides that all waqf properties must be registered with the district revenue office for assessment. It provides that any government property identified or declared as waqf property before or after the implementation of the Act will not be classified as waqf property. Under the bill, the district collector will be the final authority to determine whether a property is a waqf or government land. The tax officer's decision will be conclusive and any necessary adjustments to the income records will be made based on this decision. The bill also provides that the property will not be recognized as the property of a waqf until the collector's report is submitted to the state government.
