The Rajya Sabha approved the Boilers Bill, 2024, landmark legislation aimed at replacing the 100-year-old Boilers Act of 1923. The new bill focuses on modernizing boiler regulations to ensure safety, promote ease of doing business, and reduce criminal penalties.
The bill, introduced by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, was passed by voice vote. Goyal emphasized the need to move away from colonial-era laws, asserting that this legislation aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of shedding outdated frameworks.
Key Highlights of the Boilers Bill, 2024
- Safety and Modernization: The bill aims to safeguard lives and property from boiler explosions by mandating inspections and repairs by qualified professionals.
- Decriminalization: Out of seven offenses, criminal penalties have been retained for four major offenses involving safety, while others now attract financial penalties.
- Ease of Doing Business: Certification processes have been streamlined, allowing third-party audits to make operations simpler and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, particularly benefiting the MSME sector.
- State Rights Retained: The bill reassures that no state rights have been infringed, reinforcing cooperative federalism.
Goyal also highlighted that the bill brings clear accountability and transparency to boiler regulation. Referring to the bill’s earlier introduction in the Monsoon session of 2000 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, he praised the PM’s initiative to revisit and reform colonial-era legislation.
Opposition Criticism
Members of opposition parties raised concerns about the bill’s potential environmental impact and its alignment with safety standards. NCP (SCP) MP Fauzia Khan suggested routine inspections and stricter quality checks, while CPI (M) MP John Brittas expressed worries about increased pollution in Delhi due to inadequate boiler regulation.
Historical Context
The bill was cleared just days after the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy on December 2, serving as a reminder of the critical need for industrial safety regulations.
With the Boilers Bill, of 2024, the government aims to balance safety, business facilitation, and modernization in a rapidly industrializing nation.
