Union Cabinet approves Waqf Amendment Bill with JPC recommendations: Reports
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, incorporating 14 recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), according to media reports. The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the second half of the Budget Session, starting on March 10.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, proposes 44 changes to the existing Waqf law, which governs Waqf Boards at the Centre and state levels. The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, submitted its report on February 13.
Key amendments in the bill:
- Inclusion of non-Muslims and at least two women in Waqf Boards.
- Authority of an officer above the rank of Collector, notified by the state government, to determine if a property is Waqf.
- Mandatory representation of the Muslim OBC community in State Waqf Boards.
- Provision for establishing separate Waqf Boards for Aghakhani and Bohra communities.
- Protection of women's inheritance rights in Waqf Alal Aulad.
- Implementation of an online registration system for Waqf properties.
Opposition and Muslim organisations’ stand
Several opposition parties and Muslim organisations have opposed the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, viewing it as government interference in the community's management of religious properties. They argue that the move threatens diversity and fundamental rights while increasing state control over Waqf assets, potentially leading to their political misuse.
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Himanta resigns as Assam CM, paving way for formation of new govt
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said.
The BJP-led NDA bagged 102 seats in the 126-member assembly. The assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 9, and counting of votes took place on May 4.
"Following the formal notification of the results of #AssamElections2026 and to enable the formation of the new government, Dr @himantabiswa tendered his resignation as Chief Minister along with that of the council of Ministers to Hon'ble Governor Shri @Laxmanacharya54 today at Lok Bhawan," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X.
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The Governor has accepted the resignation, and requested Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM till the new government assumes office, it said.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place after May 11.
“As it was a historic win, we have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion," he said.
The new Assam chief minister will be selected at a meeting of the BJP legislature party in presence of central observers, Sarma said.
