The political landscape is abuzz with discussions about the Waqf Amendment Bill. Amid growing speculations, the central government has now made its stance clear. Many anticipated that the government would introduce the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session 2025. However, the official schedule released by Sansad TV for Monday, 3rd February, does not include the bill. This confirms that the Waqf Amendment Bill will not be presented in the Lok Sabha today.
What’s on the Lok Sabha Agenda Today?
Sansad TV’s official X handle has released the full schedule for today's Lok Sabha proceedings. The agenda includes Question Hour, during which ministers will respond to various queries related to their departments. Additionally, important documents from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Renewable Energy will be tabled.
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Two bills that have already received the President’s approval will also be presented in the House. Furthermore, the reports of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture will be placed before the Lok Sabha in both Hindi and English.
Waqf Amendment Bill Absent from the Schedule
Despite widespread speculation, the Waqf Amendment Bill has not found a place in today’s agenda. Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik is set to make a statement regarding the PM Suryaghar Yojana. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah will move a proposal to reintroduce the ‘Tribhuvan’ Cooperative University Bill, 2025. However, there is no mention of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the official schedule.
The omission of the bill has sparked fresh debates. Many are questioning whether the government is deliberately delaying its introduction or if there are internal discussions taking place behind closed doors. The government’s move has only intensified the opposition’s criticism.
JPC Report Concerns and Opposition’s Objections
Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), clarified, “When the Speaker presents the agenda and the Business Advisory Committee agrees, we will introduce it.”
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However, opposition leaders are not convinced. Senior opposition MP Pramod Tiwari strongly criticised the JPC’s handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill. He stated, “The JPC rejected all 44 amendments proposed by the opposition but accepted all amendments suggested by the ruling party. You are not listening to us. Was this a JPC or just a formality?”
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Leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Kalyan Banerjee have also expressed concerns regarding the JPC report. The opposition alleges that their dissent notes were removed from the final version of the JPC report on the Waqf Amendment Bill.