Stormy JPC meeting on Waqf Bill

Opposition MPs walked out alleging that the high-powered panel had left many state boards unheard

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A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which was called to review the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, witnessed another stormy sitting here on Wednesday as Opposition MPs walked out of it, alleging that the high-powered panel had left many state boards unheard.

The Opposition members also discussed the extension of the duration of the JPC in the meeting which was chaired by JPC chairman BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

The bill aims to bring significant reforms, including digitization of records, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties.

The JPC is holding a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members and community representatives from different states and Union Territories, aiming for the most comprehensive reform possible.

Talking to mediapersons after leaving today's meeting, Congress MP and Waqf JPC member Gaurav Gogoi said, "We discussed the extension of the committee and we expect a motion to be moved to this effect in the House tomorrow."