New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved 14 amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, based on recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), despite ongoing criticism over alleged bias. The bill initially proposed 44 changes to laws governing central and state Waqf boards, which oversee the management of Muslim charitable properties in India.
The amendments include provisions for the inclusion of at least two non-Muslim members in state Waqf boards and allowing a government official to determine whether a property qualifies as Waqf land. Additionally, the bill states that only individuals who have practiced Islam openly for at least five years can donate property as Waqf.
The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, reviewed the bill before finalizing its report on February 13. The approved amendments were primarily suggested by NDA members, while opposition parties strongly opposed them, arguing that the bill could undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions.
With the Cabinet’s approval, the bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the second phase of the Budget Session, starting on March 10. However, the opposition has vowed to resist its passage, citing concerns over religious and constitutional implications.
