The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to hold its first meeting on August 22 at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi.

The Imams associated with the Delhi Waqf Board have raised serious concerns over the non-payment of their salaries, despite the government allocating grants intended for this purpose. This situation has left many Imams in a financial bind, prompting them to demand a thorough investigation into the matter.

Senior BJP Lok Sabha member Jagdambika Pal will lead the 31-member joint parliamentary committee tasked with examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is set to report back by the next session.

On Monday evening, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met with a delegation from the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC). The delegation, led by Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman and Successor of the current spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah, included prominent Sajjadanashins from various Dargahs across India. The meeting was a significant discussion on several key issues affecting the Muslim community.

The All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council (AISSC) has expressed its support for the central government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act. This support comes with a call for broad cooperation from various stakeholders to ensure the amendments are successfully implemented.

The Centre plans to amend the 1995 Waqf Act to enhance transparency, limit Waqf Boards' powers, and ensure women's representation. The Bill proposes mandatory property verification and oversight by district magistrates, addressing concerns over misuse and disputes, and aligning with practices in other Islamic nations.

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Modi government on Sunday for its reported plans to amend the Waqf Board Act, alleging that the changes are intended to undermine the board's autonomy and increase government interference.

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is preparing to introduce significant amendments to the Waqf Act. These changes aim to curtail the powers of the Waqf Board regarding property designations. According to sources, the cabinet has approved a total of 40 amendments to the act, with the proposed bill likely to be introduced in Parliament next week.