The Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Jagdambika Pal, recently addressed criticism over the committee’s study tours, stressing that these trips are essential for hearing all voices involved.
Pal clarified that the purpose of these study tours is not contingent on the full attendance of committee members. Rather, the tours serve as a platform for state administrations, waqf boards, minority commissions, and other stakeholders to voice their concerns, fostering an inclusive dialogue on the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.
Pal emphasised that the attendance of every committee member is not required during these tours, just as not all members of Parliament are expected to be present at every debate during sessions.
“The purpose of the study tour of the JPC is not if all members are present or not. The purpose is to give the administration, waqf board, minority commissions, and all stakeholders of the state it visits a chance to be heard,” Pal stated.
He further explained that these tours encourage informal discussions, eliminating the need for strict quorum requirements, and ultimately serve as a channel for gathering insights from various perspectives.
Pal highlighted that since the JPC was formed, notices from the Karnataka Waqf Board to local farmers have increased by nearly 38 percent. This rise, he suggested, underscores the importance of examining how the Waqf Amendment Bill could address such issues, specifically in preventing conflicts between Waqf authorities and local communities.
He also criticised the Karnataka government, suggesting that the state’s minority minister has been overstepping his authority by establishing Waqf tribunals in every district.
According to Pal, these tribunals have empowered certain state officials to push forward Waqf-related actions that, he believes, stretch beyond the state minister’s legitimate authority.
During a recent visit to Karnataka, Pal stopped in Vijayapura on November 7 following an invitation from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. There, he joined a protest organised by local farmers, members of the Legislative Assembly, and former MPs.
Speaking at the gathering, Pal listened to concerns regarding alleged land acquisitions by the Waqf Board. He assured the community that the JPC remains committed to addressing these grievances, underscoring the value of study tours in enabling the committee to hear directly from the people affected by these issues.
The ongoing debate around the Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked political tensions, with the BJP raising concerns over land records in Karnataka. According to BJP leaders, 44 properties in Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district were designated as Waqf properties without proper notification.
They allege that these designations followed a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and local district officials, raising questions about the transparency of the process.
Pal’s recent interactions with protestors in Karnataka reflected these concerns, with farmers and activists voicing worries about the potential misuse of Waqf designations and its impact on agricultural landowners.
Another JPC member, Brij Lal, also defended the study tours, stating that the JPC’s mandate is to gather information from stakeholders and work on evidence-based reports.
He criticised opposition MPs for their stance, arguing that they have a “political agenda” to disrupt JPC meetings and undermine the bill’s progress. “Waqf Amendment Bill was formed so that land grabbing in the name of Waqf is stopped. We have given powers to the Collector, which earlier rested with Waqf surveyors,” Lal said. According to him, this change aims to prevent unauthorised land acquisitions that he claims have harmed farmers in Karnataka.
In response to these recent developments, Congress MP Jaiwaid expressed dissatisfaction with the way study tours were being conducted. He argued that the tours are unproductive if opposing viewpoints are not being taken seriously by the committee.
Jaiwaid pointed out that many committee members, reportedly around one-third of the total 31 members, have opted out of the study tours due to concerns about being disregarded. “When 1/3rd of the members are not there, what is the use of it? You have to hear both types of opinions,” he stated, emphasising the need for a balanced approach.
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to address grievances surrounding land held by Waqf authorities across states, where allegations of improper land designations and acquisitions have surfaced.
Supporters argue that the bill will create more oversight, with a special focus on protecting farmers and local landowners. Critics, however, contend that the bill could lead to increased centralization, potentially impacting minority communities reliant on Waqf resources.
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