TMC MP Sushmita Dev has raised concerns over the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha, claiming that the dissent note was censored with the use of "black ink or white paper." She questioned the state of democracy in the country, stating that all opinions must be visible for it to be considered democratic. The JPC report was presented in the Rajya Sabha amid chaos and opposition MPs protesting against the bill, leading to multiple adjournments.
Waqf Bill: Concerns Raised Over Censored Dissent Note in JPC Report
Background:
The Waqf Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2020, aims to regulate and manage the affairs of Waqf properties in India. Waqf properties are religious or charitable endowments made by Muslims under Islamic law for the benefit of the Muslim community. The bill seeks to establish a central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards to oversee and administer these properties.
Concerns Raised by Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev:
On August 5, 2022, Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf Bill. She alleged that the dissent note filed by opposition members of the JPC was censored by using "black ink or white paper" to obscure their views.
Dev questioned the state of democracy in the country, stating that all opinions, including those of dissenting members, must be visible and considered for a process to be truly democratic. She also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the handling of the dissent note.
Chaos and Protests in Rajya Sabha:
The presentation of the JPC report in the Rajya Sabha was met with chaos and protests from opposition MPs. They objected to the alleged censorship of the dissent note and demanded that it be made public. The protests led to multiple adjournments of the House.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What is the Waqf Bill? The Waqf Bill aims to regulate and manage the affairs of Waqf properties in India, including their registration, administration, and utilization.
2. Why are concerns being raised over the JPC report? Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev has alleged that the dissent note filed by opposition members of the JPC was censored, obscuring their views on the bill.
3. What are the implications of censorship of the dissent note? Censorship of dissenting opinions undermines democratic principles and prevents the full consideration of alternative perspectives.
4. What is the status of the Waqf Bill in Parliament? The JPC report has been presented in the Rajya Sabha. The bill is expected to be discussed and voted on in both Houses of Parliament in the coming weeks.
5. How has the government responded to the allegations of censorship? The government has not yet publicly responded to the allegations of censorship made by MP Sushmita Dev.
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