Boilers Bill (2024)

Boilers Bill (2024) Latest News

Lok Sabha passes The Boilers Bill, 2024 to replace 100-year-old Act

Background of the Boilers Bill, 2024

• The Boilers Act of 1923 was enacted to regulate the manufacturing, installation, operation, alteration, and repair of steam boilers to ensure safety.
• The Act was last amended in 2007 to allow independent third-party inspections, but further reforms were needed.
• The Boilers Bill, 2024, aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which focuses on decriminalization and ease of doing business (EoDB).
• The Bill is redrafted with modern drafting practices to improve clarity and efficiency.

Key Features of the Boilers Bill, 2024

• Replacement of Boilers Act, 1923: The new Bill repeals the century-old Boilers Act, 1923, aligning regulations with modern safety standards.
• Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): The Bill enhances business operations by decriminalizing 3 out of 7 offences, reducing legal hurdles.
• Categorisation of Offences: 4 major offences (risking life and property): Criminal penalties retained.
  • Other offences: These are converted into fiscal penalties, handled by an executive mechanism instead of courts.
• Modern drafting practices: The Bill is simplified and structured into six chapters, consolidating similar provisions for clarity and accessibility.
• Enhanced safety measures: Ensure worker safety inside boilers. Mandates boiler repairs by qualified and competent persons.
• Redundant provisions: Outdated sections from pre-constitutional times omitted. New definitions and amendments were added for better clarity.
• Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 alignment: Follows the decriminalisation reforms under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
• Central & State Government roles: Clearly define powers and functions of the Central Government, State Governments, and Central Boilers Board to avoid confusion.

About Boilers

• A boiler is a vessel where steam is generated under pressure.
• As of 2024, India has around 40 lakh steam boilers used in industries like power, manufacturing, and chemicals.
• Boilers fall under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, meaning both the Centre and States can legislate on them.

Boilers Bill (2024) FAQs

Q1. What is the Boilers Bill, 2024?

Ans. The Boilers Bill, 2024, is legislation introduced to replace the century-old Boilers Act, 1923. It aims to regulate the manufacture, registration, and inspection of boilers to enhance safety and ensure uniformity across India.

Q2. Why was there a need to replace the Boilers Act, 1923?

Ans. The Boilers Act, 1923, had become outdated and did not align with modern industry practices and safety standards. The new bill seeks to modernize boiler regulations, improve safety measures, and facilitate ease of doing business by removing obsolete provisions.

Q3. How does the bill impact the ease of doing business?

Ans. By decriminalizing minor offenses and removing obsolete provisions, the bill reduces the compliance burden on businesses. This fosters a more business-friendly environment and encourages industrial growth.

Q4. What changes does the bill introduce regarding inspections?

Ans. The bill promotes risk-based inspections, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient inspection process. This approach focuses on areas with higher risk, ensuring better safety outcomes. 

Source: PIB