The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted to amend the Waqf Bill held its second meeting today. According to sources, stakeholders expressed concern in the meeting and said that District Collectors are being given many powers including being the final authority to survey Waqf properties and take decisions. During this, stakeholders also opposed the removal of the “Waqf by User” clause.
In the meeting, stakeholders also questioned the intent of the proposed amendment. Opposition parties also expressed their support for the concerns raised by Muslim organizations.
According to sources, parties like DMK objected to the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. Along with this, opposition parties also raised questions on the powers being given to the District Collectors. Opposition MPs said that how can the District Collector decide on disputes, as this would lead to a “conflict of interest”.
According to sources, during the meeting, there was a heated debate between the MPs of India Block and the BJP members of JPC. Let us tell you that the next meeting of JPC will be held on 5th and 6th September.
