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Key Points

The Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee meets today to discuss the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defends the reforms, stating they build on pre-independence laws. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh calls the bill unconstitutional, vowing democratic opposition. The amendments target mismanagement through digitization and transparency measures.

Key Points: Lok Sabha BAC Meets Today as Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Debate

  • Rijiju defends Waqf Bill citing pre-independence origins
  • Congress slams bill as unconstitutional
  • Amendments aim for digitization and transparency
  • Opposition demands TDP-JDU clarify stance
2 min read

Lok Sabha Business Advisory Committee meeting to be held today: Sources

Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee discusses Waqf Bill amid opposition backlash, with Rijiju defending reforms and Congress calling it unconstitutional.

"Waqf Amendment Bill is a direct attack on the constitution – Jairam Ramesh"

New Delhi, April 1

With the government slated to table the revised Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament this week, the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Lok Sabha will be chaired on Tuesday, the sources said.

According to the sources, the Waqf Amendment Bill is likely to be listed for discussion on Tuesday.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has hit out at leaders seeking to "misguide" people and said the Waqf law has been in existence for decades.

"Some people are saying that this Waqf Amendment Bill is unconstitutional. Waqf rules have been in existence since before independence... All these provisions are already in existence. If the Waqf Act has been in existence since before independence, then how can it be illegal? Innocent Muslims are being told and misled by saying that the government is going to snatch the properties and rights of the Muslims. The false things being spread by some people are very harmful to our society and nation," Rijiju told media persons.

The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act are being opposed by many opposition parties. Earlier, Rijiju said that criticising the bill was everyone's right, but it must be substantial.

On Monday, Congress MP and party's General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh called the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, "a direct attack on Constitution," vowing to protest against the implementation of the bill, and demanding that NDA allies Telegu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) clarify their stance on the issue.

"Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a direct attack on the constitution and against its foundation, it has been bulldozed through the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee). If they implement it, we will we will oppose it democratically," Jairam Ramesh told ANI.

Claiming that the bill was "bulldozed" through the Joint Parliamentary Committee, he said that a thorough discussion of each clause was not done in the committee.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, also called the 'Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill,' aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Amit K.
Finally some reforms coming to Waqf properties! The mismanagement has gone on for too long. Digitization and transparency measures are much needed 👏
S
Shabana M.
As a Muslim, I welcome these reforms. The current system has too many loopholes that allow corruption. Hope this brings real change!
R
Rajesh P.
While I support reforms, the opposition does raise valid concerns about procedure. Maybe more discussion in committee would have been better? Important bills shouldn't be rushed.
P
Priya N.
Interesting to see how TDP and JD(U) will respond to this. Their stance could be crucial given the current numbers in Parliament 🤔
I
Imran S.
The minister makes a good point - Waqf laws have existed for decades. Why the sudden opposition now? Seems like politics as usual from certain parties.
N
Neha T.
Hope this leads to better utilization of Waqf properties for community welfare. So much potential if managed properly! #PositiveChange

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