Muslim religious leaders met the JPC chief and supported the Waqf Bill, giving suggestions on the use of properties.

A group of academicians and Muslim religious leaders on Thursday supported the draft law in the meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament considering the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Some of those present in the meeting suggested that Waqf properties should also be used to open educational and health facilities.

Former Rajasthan Waqf Board Chairman Syed Abubakar Naqvi, former Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Bhasha Vishwavidyalaya (Lucknow) Mahrukh Mirza and Maulana Raza Hussain of Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind, who were present in the meeting, supported the bill. These people put forth their views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

'Good step to curb corruption'

Sources said that Naqvi described the bill as progressive and said that it would promote the development of the country and the existing Waqf law is full of shortcomings. He said that the proposed law has good provisions for poor children and widows. Raza Hussain said that the bill is a good step to curb corruption. He said that if the new law promotes the progress of the community and the country, then it is welcome.

However, he stressed that the government should ensure that the Waqf properties are used for the purpose for which they are created. Sources said that some opposition MPs questioned the statement given by the people who appeared before the committee in support of the bill. The government had introduced the bill related to amendment in the law governing the Waqf Board in the Lok Sabha on August 8, which was decided to be sent to the joint committee after a heated exchange and discussion between the ruling and opposition parties.