The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which has been scrutinizing the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, has cleared the bill with approval for 14 amendments proposed by BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members. The bill, aimed at reforming the administration of Waqf boards across the country, was passed with a majority vote of 16 in favor and 10 against, with the NDA securing a clear margin over the Opposition.
A total of 66 amendments were suggested to the Waqf Bill, with 23 coming from BJP MPs and 44 from Opposition members. JPC Chairman, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, confirmed that this was the final meeting of the parliamentary panel and that all amendments were voted upon, with 16 votes in favor and 10 votes opposing the changes.
BJP MP and JPC member, Aparajita Sarangi, emphasized that the discussions on the amendments were thorough and democratic, stating that the committee followed due procedure in clearing the 14 amendments.
In earlier JPC meetings, the Opposition had accused the committee’s chairman of bias towards the ruling party, and raised concerns over the speed of the process, which they claimed was being rushed in light of upcoming Assembly elections in the national capital. However, these claims were dismissed by Sarangi, who affirmed that all members were given ample time to voice their opinions.
The JPC was originally set to submit its recommendations for the Waqf Bill by November 29, but the deadline has now been extended to February 13, 2025.
