The Boilers Bill, 2024
Context
Recently, the Boilers Bill, 2024, which was introduced by the Rajya Sabha, was passed and moved to the Lok Sabha for further consideration.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
About the Bill:
- The Boilers bill, 2024, updates the century-old boiler act, 1923, to improve safety standards for boiler operations in India.
- It simplifies regulations, decriminalises minor offences, and enhances worker safety by ensuring repairs are done by qualified professionals.
- The changes aim to make the law clearer, modern, and business-friendly.
Features of the Bill:
- The Act has been divided into six chapters, grouping similar provisions for better clarity. This is a significant shift from the unstructured format of the 1923 Act.
- The act removes obsolete provisions, which encompass the whole of India, and it has also removed specific boiler components like feedpipes and economisers.
- Updated Definitions:
- New definitions like “notification,” “regulations,” and “state government” have been added.
- Existing definitions for terms like “boiler component,” “competent authority,” and “inspecting authority” have been clarified.
- Decriminalization Efforts
- Out of seven offences, criminal penalties have been retained for four critical violations that could endanger life or property.
- Other offences now incur fiscal penalties, replacing judicial fines with executive levies for quicker resolution.
- Empowered Authorities
- Detailed responsibilities for the Central Government, state governments, and Central Boilers Board have been outlined.
- New provisions include:
- Clause 35: Adjudication mechanism for penalties.
- Clause 36: Appeals process for aggrieved parties.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: Provisions ensure only qualified personnel repair boilers and prioritise the safety of those working with or inside boilers.
- Simplification for Stakeholders: Simplified rules and modern draughting practices aim to aid industries, including MSMEs. The bill also supports the Ease of Doing Business initiative, balancing safety with reduced legal burdens.
- Transition Framework: Rules, regulations, and orders under the 1923 Act remain valid until new ones are notified under the 2024 legislation.
