Waqf Amendment Bill Cleared with 14 Amendments in favor of Modi's NDA

New Delhi:

In a move that is expected to boost the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has adopted the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, which was cleared by the committee with a narrow margin of 16 votes against and 10 in favor.

The Opposition parties have a late opportunity to register their dissent until 4 pm. The JPC earlier approved the bill on Monday following 44 changes submitted from 11 opposition members against 23 proposed by government parties.

The amendments, which were overwhelmingly approved by members in today's voting phase, include provisions aimed at empowering state governments in administering Wafa Boards and have dropped mandatory provision including non-Muslim members in the Central Council.