Guwahati, Nov 9: Jagatambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired an important meeting today in Guwahati to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This session is part of a nationwide study tour by the JPC, which is visiting five cities—Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow—from November 9 to November 14 to gather feedback on the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.

At the meeting, officials from the Assam government, the state Waqf board, the Assam State Minority Commission, legal experts from the High Court, and other relevant stakeholders participated in the discussions. Pal emphasized the need for regional insights, particularly regarding the unique challenges of managing Waqf properties in Northeast India.

“We are here to engage with local authorities, Waqf boards, and legal experts to understand the specific concerns of the region and ensure that the amendment bill addresses these challenges effectively,” Pal stated.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in August 2024, aims to address issues such as mismanagement, encroachments, and corruption related to Waqf properties. The bill proposes reforms including digitization, stricter audits, greater transparency, and legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied lands.

The JPC has held 25 meetings to date, consulting over 120 stakeholders from various states, Waqf boards, and minority commissions. Pal reaffirmed that the committee operates independently, stating that it is not influenced by the government and serves as a platform for inclusive discussion.

The JPC is expected to present its findings and recommendations on the bill to Parliament during the first week of the Winter Session, which begins on November 25, 2024.