Parliament Budget Session: JPC Tables Waqf Bill Report Amid Opposition Uproar
Team Finance Saathi
13/Feb/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf Amendment Bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha amid heated debates.
- Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the inclusion of dissent notes, calling the report ‘unacceptable’ without them.
- Lok Sabha adjourned until 2 PM as Opposition MPs protested the report, accusing the government of ignoring concerns.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill is all set to present its report in Parliament today. Initially scheduled for submission during the Winter Session, the report was delayed as the committee could only assess the southern regions at the time. Additional time was sought, allowing the committee to complete the evaluation of the northern regions. The final report includes inputs from various stakeholders and aims to provide a comprehensive review of the Waqf Amendment, including any dissenting views.
Opposition Protests Over Exclusion of Dissenting Notes
The debate surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill intensified in the Rajya Sabha as Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded the inclusion of dissenting notes from opposition members. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge criticized the omission of the dissenting opinions in the final report, asserting that it was unacceptable and calling for the report to be sent back for reconsideration. He emphasized that the report, as it stood, failed to capture the full range of perspectives on the bill.
Kiren Rijiju Defends the Report
In response, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the report, rejecting the Opposition's claims that dissenting views were removed. Rijiju addressed the concerns raised by the Opposition, stating that the report represented a thorough and fair process of assessment. His remarks came amid significant disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, where members of the Opposition staged a protest against the JPC report's findings.
Further Disruptions and Debates in Parliament
As the debate heated up, the Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar, with Opposition members protesting the Waqf Bill report and accusing the government of undermining democratic procedures. Despite these challenges, the proceedings continued, with efforts to allow for a more structured discussion on the bill.
The Lok Sabha was also impacted by similar disruptions, leading to adjournments. The protest primarily focused on issues related to the Waqf Amendment Bill and its potential impact on the Waqf Board system in India.
Key Issues in the Waqf Amendment Bill
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which has been under scrutiny, addresses significant issues regarding the management and oversight of Waqf properties in India. While the bill seeks to bring reforms to the Waqf administration, it has been contentious due to differing views on governance, transparency, and the potential impact on minority rights. The JPC's report will play a crucial role in the ongoing discussions, as it aims to address these concerns and provide a balanced view on the subject.
As the Budget Session continues, the outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the future of Waqf institutions in India, especially in terms of regulatory changes and governance reforms. The report’s presentation is likely to be a turning point in the parliamentary deliberations on this important issue.
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