As the parliament session continues, the Waqf Amendment Bill is expected to be tabled on Wednesday before the Lok Sabha. As per a PTI report citing sources, the bill will be taken up for consideration and passage at 12 Noon tomorrow.
Sources have further added that the government has allotted an eight hour discussion for the same.
The Waqf bill and its presentation was discussed at the meeting of the business advisory committee (BAC), which is chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Sources told PTI that the opposition sought for 12 hours for the discussion on the bill. However, the government stated that a discussion will also be done regarding Manipur, hence not more than eight hours can be given for the Waqf bill.
Due to the opposition's anger, many members walked out of this meeting. Opposition parties have already strongly opposed the Waqf bill, citing it was unconstitutional and against the interest of the Muslim community.
In response to the opposition's uproar, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the opposition of "misleading Muslims on the bill."
What Is The Waqf Bill?
The Waqf Bill was recently cleared by the Union Cabinet after the amendments suggested by the joint parliamentary committee were approved.
The 655-page report was approved by the parliamentary panel by a majority of votes. Around 11 MPs objected and submitted their dissenting opinions.
In Islamic law, waqf refers to any property dedicated "in the name of God" for charitable purposes. The proceeds from such properties are used to maintain mosques, fund schools for the poor. Under this, once a property has been designated as waqf, it cannot be transferred, sold or given away.
One of the kye changes proposed in the Waqf Bill is the inclusion of non-Muslims in institutions such as Central Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, and waqf tribunals.
Under this bill, the Cnetre will have the power to appoint three MPs - two from the Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha, without them requiring to be Muslims.
