Piyush Goyal Introduces Boilers Bill, 2024 In Lok Sabha To Modernise Boiler Regulations

New Delhi, Mar 26 (KNN) The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, introduced the Boilers Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, marking a significant legislative update to replace the nearly century-old Boilers Act of 1923.

The bill, which has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 4, 2024, is expected to be sent for presidential assent following its passage in the Lok Sabha.

The proposed legislation aims to address contemporary stakeholder requirements, including those of industry professionals, boiler workers, and regulatory implementers.

Structured into six comprehensive chapters, the bill represents a modern approach to legislative drafting, consolidating previously dispersed provisions to enhance clarity and understanding.

Key modifications in the bill focus on improving ease of doing business, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). While decriminalising certain offenses, the legislation maintains a robust safety framework.

Of the seven identified offenses, criminal penalties will be retained for four major infractions that could potentially result in loss of life or property.

Other violations will be subject to fiscal penalties, with non-criminal offenses now processed through an executive mechanism rather than the court system.

Safety remains a paramount concern in the new bill. Specific provisions have been incorporated to ensure the protection of personnel working with boilers and to mandate that boiler repairs are conducted only by qualified and competent professionals.

This approach reflects the government's commitment to modernising regulatory frameworks while prioritising workplace safety.

The legislative update follows a comprehensive review of the existing Boilers Act, which was last substantially amended in 2007.

The current revision aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, and represents part of a broader government initiative to reassess pre-constitution acts for their contemporary relevance.

Notably, the bill introduces new definitions and eliminates redundant or obsolete provisions. It also provides more detailed enumeration of functions and powers for the Central Government, State Governments, and the Central Boilers Board, aimed at minimising potential administrative confusion.

As part of the Government of India's ongoing efforts to review and update legacy legislation, the Boilers Bill, 2024, signifies a forward-looking approach to regulatory reform, balancing industrial efficiency with stringent safety standards.

(KNN Bureau)