Joint parliamentary committee on Waqf bill to hold discussions in multiple cities | India News

Also participating in the discussion are the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, members of the Bar Council, lawyers’ associations and Muttawalli associations, representing those directly involved in the legal and operational aspects of waqf management.

The discussions in Mumbai will set the tone for the rest of the consultations, focusing on how the bill addresses key issues of transparency, efficiency and empowerment. Maharashtra, with its diverse population and significant minority representation, offers a unique perspective on how waqf assets can be better managed for the well-being of the community.

The JPC will travel to Ahmedabad, Gujarat on September 27 to meet with representatives of the Government of Gujarat, the Gujarat Waqf Board and other key stakeholders. Gujarat’s minority affairs infrastructure, led by the State Minority Commission, has played a vital role in managing waqf properties that have historical and religious significance.

The legal community of Gujarat, including members of the Bar Council, lawyers’ associations and Muttawalli associations, will also comment on the impact of the proposed reforms on waqf management in the state. Gujarat’s proactive governance model has often been held up as an example of efficiency and the JPC is likely to explore how such efficiency can be replicated in waqf management.

The Joint Committee of Parliament will hold a discussion in Hyderabad on September 28. In this meeting, representatives from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Waqf Boards and Minority Commissions of both states, will present their views.

Hyderabad is home to some of the most important Waqf properties in India, including the Grand Mosque of Makkah and various charitable institutions. The management of these properties therefore has a direct impact on the social and economic well-being of the community.

In addition, the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board will also participate in the Hyderabad discussions, providing insights from central India. The diversity of voices from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh is expected to provide a comprehensive view of how waqf properties are managed in the southern and central regions of the country.

The JPC will hold an informal meeting in Chennai on September 30. Discussions will be held with representatives of the Tamil Nadu government, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board and the State Minority Commission. Tamil Nadu, a state that prides itself on its progressive governance, faces unique challenges in waqf lands, especially in rural areas like Thiruchirapalli district.

Waqf properties in rural areas often face unique challenges, including encroachment and underutilization. By engaging with local leaders, the JPC hopes to gain insights that will inform its decisions on how best to empower local communities through better waqf management.

The final stop on the Joint Committee of Parliament’s national tour will be Bangalore on October 1. In the city, representatives from the Karnataka government, the Karnataka Waqf Board and the State Minorities Commission will join the discussions. Karnataka has a significant number of Waqf properties, and the management of these assets has often been highlighted, both for its successes and challenges.

Representatives from the Kerala Waqf Board and members of the Bar Council, lawyers’ associations and Muttawalli associations will contribute to the diversity of the discussions. Kerala, with its own waqf management structure, will provide valuable insights, particularly on how waqf assets can be integrated into broader social protection schemes.

It is worth noting that the JPC’s efforts are part of a broader national initiative to reform the Waqf Act and ensure that Waqf assets are used for the common good. During these meetings, the JPC will discuss key aspects of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, including digitization of records, stricter audits, better legal remedies in cases of encroachment, and decentralization of Waqf management.

The Waqf Act of 1995 was created to regulate waqf properties, but has long been plagued by accusations of mismanagement, corruption and encroachment. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2024 aims to bring in sweeping reforms, introducing digitalisation, stricter audits, transparency and legal mechanisms to recover illegally occupied properties.

The JPC is organising a series of meetings to gather inputs from government officials, legal experts, Waqf board members and community representatives in six states and two Union Territories, with the aim of achieving the most comprehensive reform possible.

These consultations will play a vital role in ensuring that amendments to the Waqf Law are practical, effective and responsive to the needs of the community.

The committee is required to submit its report to the Lok Sabha on or before the last day of the first week of the next parliamentary session.

First published: September 21, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. IST