The Centre called a meeting of all MPs today to discuss the Waqf Bill ahead of its introduction in Parliament. The government aims to clarify the bill’s provisions amid rising opposition. Officials seek to address concerns and ensure transparency. The discussion comes as debates over the bill gain momentum.
New Delhi: The Central Government scheduled a meeting for all Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday to thoroughly discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. This briefing will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Coordination Room No. 5 of Parliament, allowing MPs a one-hour overview of the proposed amendments to the Waqf laws.
The government is eager to clarify the bill’s contents before introducing it to Parliament, especially in light of rising opposition. The Waqf Amendment Bill has generated significant controversy nationwide, with various groups accusing the Central Government of undermining the interests of the Muslim community.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has been particularly vocal against the bill, announcing plans to organize large-scale protests across the country. A demonstration is set to occur on March 26 in Patna’s Gardanibagh, followed by another in Vijayawada on March 29.
AIMPLB spokesperson Qasim Rasool Ilyas criticized the bill, asserting that it was introduced on communal grounds and infringes upon the rights of Muslims.
He also claimed that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which reviewed the bill, acted unilaterally and ignored the concerns of opposition parties and Muslim organizations.
Also Read: AIMPLB Demands Withdrawal of Waqf Amendment Bill, Plans Nationwide Protest
The JPC, after conducting several meetings and hearings, submitted its report on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The 31-member committee proposed various amendments, which were approved by a majority of 15 BJP MPs against 11 opposition members.
Despite this, the opposition has voiced strong objections, expressing concerns about the bill’s potential impact on Muslim religious and charitable institutions. As discussions continue, the government faces mounting pressure from various quarters, alongside ongoing nationwide protests.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to reform the management of waqf properties in India. Notable changes include permitting non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards, granting District Collectors the authority to survey waqf properties, reorganizing Waqf Tribunals, and renaming the Waqf Act of 1995 to “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995” (UWMEEDA 1995).
This Bill has generated significant controversy. Critics contend that the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards violates Muslim religious rights. The delegation of authority to District Collectors raises concerns about potential government interference, while the removal of Muslim law experts from tribunals could undermine legal oversight.
The Bill was sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for examination. Opposition parties and Muslim organizations have protested, arguing that it undermines community control over waqf assets. As of March 2025, discussions persist regarding its implications for religious autonomy and state involvement.