More Non-Muslims In Waqf Board? Here's What Changes To Draft Amendment Bill Approved By JPC Suggest

Among the 14 modifications approved by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, one is concerned with the compulsion to have two non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board.

The change differentiates between the compulsory two non-Muslim members, as outlined in the initial draft of the bill, and the appointed ex-officio members, who may be either Muslim or non-Muslim, NDTV reported.

This implies that waqf councils, regardless of being at the state or all-India levels, will comprise a minimum of two members, potentially more if the appointed ex-officio members are also non-Muslim, who are not of the Islamic faith.

Another significant change involves assigning an officer, chosen by the relevant state, with the responsibility of determining whether a property is 'waqf'. Previously, this decision was in the hands of the District Collector as per the initial draft.

The third change ensures that the law will not have a retrospective effect, provided the property under consideration is already registered. However, Imran Masood, a Congress leader and JPC member, expressed concerns, stating that roughly 90 per cent of waqf properties are not actually registered.

The proposed alterations, along with 11 additional ones, were suggested by representatives of the ruling BJP. This includes Lok Sabha MPs such as Nishikant Dubey, Tejasvi Surya, and Aparajita Sarangi.

Among the additional 11 amendments, one proposed by Surya stipulates that any individual intending to donate land must provide evidence of practicing Islam for a minimum of five years. Furthermore, they must confirm that there is no deceit or manipulation involved in the property's dedication.

This bill, which was presented in the Lok Sabha in August of the previous year, proposes 44 controversial amendments to the management of Muslim charitable properties in the nation.