The second day of the Parliament Budget Session was filled with heated debates and protests, as opposition parties demanded a detailed discussion on the doubts surrounding the electoral process and the controversial National Education Policy. The Lok Sabha also discussed the Manipur budget and passed four bills, while the DMK MP Kanimozhi filed a privilege motion against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his remarks about Tamil Nadu. Government sources have also stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be brought for passage later this month. Stay updated on all the action with our LIVE updates.
The second part of the Parliament Budget Session began today, with a clash between the Opposition and the government over the National Education Policy in Tamil Nadu. The government is pushing for the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, which may further add tension to the already heated session. Parliament will also be discussing the imposition of President's rule in Manipur, with a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected during the third week of March. Follow live updates of the ongoing session here.
The Union Cabinet has cleared all 14 amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee to the Waqf Amendment Bill, which is expected to be presented during the upcoming Budget session. The controversial bill, which aims to regulate waqf properties and settle disputes, has been under scrutiny since its introduction in August 2024. The amendments, which address some of the key concerns of the Opposition, give more power to the Waqf Tribunal and extend the timeline for registering waqf properties under a central portal.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi strongly rejects the Waqf Amendment Bill and warns that its implementation could lead to social instability in India. He argues that the Bill violates the Indian Constitution and has been outright rejected by the entire Muslim community. Owaisi vows to protect all Waqf properties, including mosques and dargahs, and states that he will not allow any loss of these important places of worship.
Shahid Sayeed, National Convener of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, praises the Joint Parliamentary Committee for approving the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. He declares that the bill will greatly contribute towards fulfilling the needs of the marginalized communities and strengthening their position in society. Sayeed hopes that the bill will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
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.
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Nishikant Dubey discusses the proceedings of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and addresses allegations made by the opposition regarding the handling of the committee. Dubey, a member of the panel, defends the committee's decisions and criticizes the opposition for their lack of understanding of the Bill's purpose. He also highlights the importance of bringing the Muslim community into the mainstream and the role of the BJP in this effort.
The Parliament panel on Waqf bill has recommended 14 changes to the Waqf Amendment Bill's draft version, including distinguishing between Muslim and non-Muslim members and giving authority of determining 'waqf' properties to state-appointed officers instead of the District Collector. The Opposition has alleged that none of its amendments have been incorporated. The bill seeks to make 44 changes to the management of Muslim charitable properties in India.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has recently approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 along with several crucial changes. These changes include shifting the authority for determining Waqf properties from the District Collector to the state government and increasing the number of members on Waqf Councils to include at least two non-Muslim members. The bill also empowers the state government to handle disputes related to property determination.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf boards in India, has sparked outcry and debate among lawmakers and activists. Proponents of the bill argue that it will enhance administrative efficiency and protect the interests of religious endowments. However, opposition members have raised concerns about potential encroachments on minority rights and the lack of transparency in the legislative process. Amid growing tensions and speculation about political motivations, legal experts and activists are calling for greater inclusivity to ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process.