Lok Sabha Prolongs Joint Parliamentary Committee's Tenure on Waqf Bill Until 2025 Budget Session
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New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha on Thursday adopted a resolution to extend the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) focused on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, until the final day of the Budget Session in the upcoming year.
The motion was introduced by JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, who stated, "I propose that this House extends the time allotted for the presentation of the Report by the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, until the last day of the Budget Session, 2025."
This motion received approval through a voice vote.
In an interview with IANS, Pal underscored the importance of this extension.
"We proposed a motion to prolong the JPC's tenure, and the House endorsed it with a voice vote. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju acknowledged that this extension responds to the Opposition's call for comprehensive discussions on the Bill," he explained.
The JPC Chairman had sought an extension after the Opposition left the Committee meeting on Wednesday.
The Opposition exited the meeting, claiming that proper procedures were not being followed and that the panel Chairman was prepared to submit a report on November 29, despite their request to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for an extension of the committee's tenure.
In response to the Opposition's actions, Pal remarked, "This extension counters the claims made by the Opposition that the government is avoiding in-depth discussions and aims to silence their voices, demonstrating our commitment to a thorough discussion."
The Bill, intended to reform the management and regulation of Waqf properties nationwide, has faced delays due to intense debates and disruptions within the JPC, particularly between ruling BJP members and Opposition leaders.
The Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on August 8 and subsequently referred it to the JPC following objections from the Opposition, which tasked the panel with submitting a report by the end of the first week of the Winter Session.
The committee consists of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, including 13 Opposition members (nine from the Lower House and four from the Upper House).
