Panel May Give Nod for Non-Muslims in Waqf

The joint parliamentary committee on Waqf (amendment) bill, which is likely to adopt its draft report on the contentious legislation along with a bunch of amendments on Wednesday, may endorse the government's plan to include non-Muslims in Waqf boards while asking the Centre to take steps to protect tribal lands from being declared as Waqf properties, people familiar with the matter indicated on Tuesday.

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI:

The committee, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Jagdambika Pal, circulated its over 600-page draft report among the panel members on Tuesday, less than 24 hours before the panel is scheduled to meet to deliberate and adopt the report. It evoked sharp criticism from Opposition MPs who slammed the convening of the meeting at a short notice, contending they do not have enough time to study the draft report.

The panel has agreed with the submissions of Dawoodi Bohra and Agha Khani communities—two small sects of the Shia Muslims—that they have their unique and distinct set of identities and should be treated as such, HT has learnt.

The JPC may endorse the government's plan to include non-Muslims in Waqf boards who could be "beneficiaries, parties to disputes, or otherwise interested in Waqf matters", one of the people cited above indicated.