New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at enhancing the management, preservation, and regulation of Waqf properties, will soon be passed in Parliament. At a press conference marking the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, Shah affirmed, "The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is dedicated to improving the management and preventing misuse of Waqf properties. It is expected to be passed in the coming days."
According to an official statement from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Joint Parliamentary Committee will meet on September 18, 19, and 20 at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi to discuss the bill. On September 18, the Ministry of Minority Affairs will present oral evidence to the committee. The following day, the committee will hear from experts and stakeholders, including Prof Faizan Mustafa from Chanakya National Law University, Patna; Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz; and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. On September 20, input will be gathered from the All India Sajjadanashin Council, Ajmer; Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Delhi; and Bharat First, Delhi.
In response to concerns raised by some political parties about the bill, a group of Muslim social workers and Islamic scholars recently expressed their support for the government. Islamic Scholar Mufti Wajahat Qasmi emphasized the need to dispel misunderstandings, stating, "The meeting was convened to address the confusion created by certain political parties suggesting that the government intends to seize Muslim land. We support the government and believe that this bill will benefit the Waqf system, uplift Muslims, and contribute to national progress."
The bill's progress and the parliamentary discussions are anticipated to clarify and resolve any outstanding concerns about the legislation's impact on Waqf properties and Muslim communities.
Arvind Kejriwal Resigns as Delhi Chief Minister; Atishi Set to Succeed
Delhi Congress Chief Criticizes Atishi's Short-Term Appointment as Chief Minister
Congress Protest in Chandigarh Against Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu's Remarks on Rahul Gandhi