The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) will meet today to vote on the final amendments to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. The JPC had already approved the bill with 14 amendments proposed by the ruling NDA, while rejecting 44 proposed changes by the Opposition. The JPC chairman, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, defended the committee's decision and stated that all amendments were put to vote and a majority of 16 voted in favor of the bill. However, the Opposition has raised objections and accused the chairman of bias and rushing the proceedings ahead of Assembly elections in the national capital.
Waqf Amendment Bill: A Saga of Contentious Amendments
The Waqf Amendment Bill, a contentious piece of legislation, has been met with resistance from the Opposition and concerns from various quarters. The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs the management of waqf properties in India.
Background
Waqf properties, in Islamic law, are those that have been dedicated for religious or charitable purposes. They are managed by waqf boards, which are statutory bodies appointed by the government. The Waqf Act, 1995, was enacted to consolidate and amend the laws relating to waqf properties.
Amendments Proposed in the Bill
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2021, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2021. It proposes several amendments to the existing law, including:
Opposition to the Bill
The Opposition has raised several objections to the bill, including:
Joint Parliamentary Committee Report
The bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for examination. The JPC approved the bill with 14 amendments proposed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while rejecting 44 proposed changes by the Opposition.
Current Status
The JPC is scheduled to meet on March 15, 2023, to vote on the final amendments to the bill. The Opposition has objected to the timing of the meeting, arguing that it is being rushed ahead of Assembly elections in Delhi.
FAQs
The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to reform the management and development of waqf properties in India.
The bill proposes to establish a National Waqf Development Corporation, authorize central government appointment of waqf board members, empower the central government to remove corrupt or incompetent board members, and allow for the sale or lease of waqf properties under certain conditions.
The Opposition has concerns about the bill's impact on the autonomy of waqf boards, the potential commercialization of waqf properties, and the effectiveness of the proposed National Waqf Development Corporation.
The JPC approved the bill with 14 NDA-proposed amendments, while rejecting 44 Opposition-proposed changes.
The JPC is scheduled to meet on March 15, 2023, to vote on the final amendments. The Opposition has objected to the timing of the meeting, citing concerns about rushing the process ahead of Assembly elections.
US President Donald Trump declared a national tragedy after a commercial American Eagle plane crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in multiple fatalities. The rescue efforts have now shifted to a recovery mission, with 27 bodies recovered so far and more expected to be found. While the cause of the crash is still unclear, Trump used the opportunity to criticize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and blamed previous administrations for their diversity hiring policies.
The Election Commission of India has demanded that former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal provide factual evidence for his allegation that Yamuna water has been poisoned. The Commission has given a deadline for Kejriwal to submit the evidence, and warned that if he fails to do so, appropriate action will be taken. Kejriwal has accused the Commission of being biased and has refused to comply with their demands.
As India celebrated the coming of its Constitution on 26 January 1950, there were polarizing sentiments among its citizens. While Nehru and Ambedkar led the country towards progress and democratic values, Hindu Nationalists were critical of the Constitution, citing its lack of connection to "Indian values". However, political events such as the Shah Bano case and the implementation of the Mandal Commission report gave way for Hindu nationalists to push their agenda, resulting in communal violence and discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. This has led to the spread of fear and the formation of Muslim ghettos in various cities across India.
A Pakistani court has dismissed a petition by Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation seeking to rename Shadman Chowk Lahore after the freedom fighter and place his statue there. The court upheld the decision of the local corporation, which cited a retired military officer's claim that Singh was a "criminal" and not a revolutionary. The foundation plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
As the budget session of Parliament approaches, the Narendra Modi-led Centre is set to introduce a slew of new bills, including the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025. With illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh and Rohingya, being a major concern, the bill aims to strengthen measures for immigration control and enhance border security. This proposal comes after feedback from the recent Jharkhand election and a push from BJP's main electoral campaign on the issue. The bill is yet to be approved by the cabinet but could be taken up next week.
In an insightful talk, journalist Upendrra Rai highlights the significant role of Mahatma Gandhi's approach to journalism and how it continues to hold relevance in today's ever-changing media landscape. With a focus on truth-telling and ethical reporting, Gandhi's principles serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible and impactful journalism in shaping society.
Amidst controversy and protests, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha held a ceremony to honor Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Led by Mahasabha leader Pandit Ashok Sharma, the event involved traditional rituals and a call to eliminate 'Gandhism' from India. The move to honor the families of Godse and Apte was met with widespread criticism, with many calling for the Indian government to revoke Gandhi's title as the 'Father of the Nation.'
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, Congress party has released a new campaign song called "Har Jarurat Hogi Puri, Dilli Mein Congress Hai Jaruri." The 2.48 minute anthem highlights the dissatisfaction of Delhi residents with the current AAP government and also addresses the party's promises for the city, such as free electricity and the Pyari Didi Yojana. Delhi Congress Chief Devendra Yadav states that the anthem reflects the frustration of the people and the Congress is the only party capable of addressing the issues facing Delhi.
Today marks the 77th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. On this day, we pay tribute to the great leader who continues to inspire us with his ideas of truth, non-violence, and upliftment for all. Despite his passing, his ideals continue to guide us in our pursuit of a better and more just society. However, with the rise of toxic ideologies and violence, it is crucial to reflect on his message of love and compassion to overcome these challenges.
President Trump has made a statement on his TruthSocial account following the horrific American Airlines crash in Washington D.C overnight. The crash involved a PSA Airlines aircraft and a BlackHawk US Army military helicopter, with 19 bodies recovered so far. The President is being kept updated on the ongoing search efforts.