The Lok Sabha has approved an extension for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, allowing the panel to submit its report by the end of the 2025 Budget Session. The decision comes as the committee continues to address disputes over property ownership between state governments and Waqf boards in six states.
JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal explained that the extension was necessary due to ongoing disputes regarding properties claimed by both state governments and Waqf boards. He noted that the committee had sought responses from the states involved but had yet to receive adequate replies.
“The committee found that in six states, disputes persist over certain properties. The Waqf boards have claimed ownership, but state governments have contested these claims. Given these complexities, we decided to seek additional time to present our findings,” Pal stated.
The chairman highlighted a historical context, referencing decisions made by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government regarding Waqf properties. “In the 1970s, the Waqf board claimed ownership of 123 properties acquired by the British in 1911 after compensating the owners. Later, the UPA government proposed handing over government properties to the Waqf board at a nominal rate of ₹1 per acre annually. However, the court stayed this decision, preventing government property worth around ₹1 lakh crore from being transferred,” Pal added.
Responding to opposition criticism about the committee’s workload, Pal emphasized the importance of the JPC’s mandate and the effort required to fulfill it.
“The opposition has been complaining about excessive work, citing long meetings and frequent sittings. Over 125 hours of meetings have already been conducted with stakeholders, including Waqf boards, minority commissions, and government officials in states such as Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu,” Pal said.
He expressed surprise at the complaints, noting, “This is the first time I’ve heard objections about working too much. Earlier, the concern was always about not getting enough work done.”
The JPC is now scheduled to present its findings and recommendations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during the final week of the 2025 Budget Session. The extension is expected to provide the committee with sufficient time to address the complexities of the disputes and finalize its report.
(With inputs from ANI)
