NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha has commenced deliberations on the Boilers Bill, 2024, which aims to replace the outdated Boilers Act of 1923. This proposed legislation intends to modernize the regulation of boilers, ensuring better safety standards and addressing the current industrial and operational requirements. The primary goal is to safeguard public life and property by preventing accidents, including those caused by the explosion of steam boilers, which have been a concern for over a century.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal presented the bill to the House, seeking its approval for consideration and passage. This bill comes as part of the government’s push for regulatory reform, aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business. Notably, it proposes decriminalizing several minor offenses, shifting penalties to fiscal fines instead of criminal charges for non-serious violations, while retaining stringent penalties for serious risks to life and property.
The updated bill also consolidates provisions that were previously scattered across various sections of the Boilers Act into six clearer chapters, improving its practical applicability. It focuses on creating a safer operational environment for boiler operators, industry personnel, and other stakeholders involved in boiler management.
This legislative change is expected to provide significant benefits to industries, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), by streamlining boiler compliance and offering more precise regulations for easier adherence.
Source: Web Team, C6N
