Waqf Amendment Bill: JPC accepts 14 amendments moved by BJP-led NDA 

According to reports, the bill received 66 proposed amendments—23 from the ruling BJP members and 44 from the opposition. After much deliberation, the JPC cleared 14 amendments based on majority approval.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has finalized its examination of the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill and cleared 14 amendments suggested by BJP-led National Democratic Alliance members. The bill was passed by the JPC with a vote margin of 16 to 10, depicting the majority that the NDA holds over its opposition members.

According to reports, the bill received 66 proposed amendments—23 from the ruling BJP members and 44 from the opposition. After much deliberation, the JPC cleared 14 amendments based on majority approval.

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JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said this was the panel's final meeting. "The six-month review process involved thorough discussions on the proposed changes," he said. "All amendments were put to a vote today, and the results reflect the members' majority decision, with 16 supporting and 14 opposing the amendments," he stated during a press briefing.

BJP MP and JPC member Aparajita Sarangi emphasized that all discussions had been conducted in a wide and democratic way. She said the amendments that had been approved were outcome of due process as it was the result of intense deliberations.

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The JPC's proceedings have in the past been marred by accusations from opposition members who alleged bias and favoritism toward the ruling party. They also criticized the process for being rushed, suggesting it was an attempt to influence public opinion ahead of assembly elections in the national capital.

However, Sarangi refuted all such allegations saying that all the members were provided adequate time to place their respective opinions and the committee chairman was quite fair while taking cognizance of the opinion.

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The JPC was scheduled to submit its recommendations on November 29. However, it further extended its deadline to February 13.

Read Also | Government Informs Rajya Sabha: No Land Provided by Centre to Waqf Board Since 2019

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Read Also | JPC Chief Criticizes Mamata Govt's Waqf Bill as Minority Appeasement
 

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