The Boilers Bill, 2024, aimed at replacing the century-old Boilers Act, 1923, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The new legislation seeks to remove obsolete provisions, streamline boiler regulations, and enhance ease of doing business in India.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal presented the bill for consideration, emphasizing its alignment with modern governance and safety standards.
Key Highlights of the Boilers Bill, 2024
- Replacement of the Boilers Act, 1923
- Introduces updated provisions to replace obsolete ones.
- Follows modern drafting practices for better clarity.
- Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
- Provisions for decriminalization introduced in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
- Out of seven offences, only four major ones—where safety or loss of life and property are at risk—retain criminal penalties.
- Other offences will now incur fiscal penalties through an executive mechanism instead of court proceedings.
- Enhanced Safety Provisions
- Clear guidelines for boiler repairs, ensuring only qualified and competent personnel undertake such tasks.
- Specific provisions to protect persons working within boilers.
- Structural Improvements
- Definitions clarified and new ones added for better understanding.
- Similar provisions grouped into six chapters for easier reading and implementation.
- Detailed enumeration of the powers and functions of the Central Government, State Governments, and Central Boilers Board to avoid confusion.
Official Remarks
Officials highlighted that the revised bill benefits boiler users, especially in the MSME sector, by simplifying compliance and ensuring safety.
The Boilers Bill, 2024, updates the framework comprehensively, addressing gaps identified in the earlier 2007 amendment, which had introduced third-party inspection and certification.
Parallel Discussions in Lok Sabha
Meanwhile, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was debated in the Lok Sabha. Moved by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, the bill proposes amendments to the Railways Act, 1989, focusing on improving operational efficiencies. Several members participated in the debate, which extended for hours.