In a pivotal meeting on Monday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, approved 14 amendments proposed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) while rejecting 44 amendments submitted by the Opposition. The amendments aim to overhaul the management of Waqf properties, sparking intense political debate.

Committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal defended the decisions, emphasizing the democratic process followed. "All 44 Opposition amendments were presented, debated, and voted on. However, with 16 members opposing them against 10 in favor, they could not pass," he explained.

Among the significant changes approved is the transfer of authority from collectors to state-appointed officials, such as commissioners or secretaries, to determine whether disputed Waqf properties belong to the government. Additionally, the composition of state Waqf Boards will see new rules, allowing for the inclusion of non-Muslim CEOs and at least two non-Muslim members. The JPC also extended the timeline for updating Waqf properties on the official portal from six months.

The government argued that these amendments aim to streamline processes and benefit marginalized groups, particularly poor and Pasmanda Muslims. However, the Opposition raised concerns over the potential erosion of autonomy for Waqf Boards and the inclusion of non-Muslim members, calling it a departure from established norms.

With 16 NDA members against 13 from the Opposition in the 31-member panel, the amendments easily passed, reflecting the dominance of the ruling alliance in shaping the Bill's final form.