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On August 6, 2024, the Boilers Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant update to the century-old Boilers Act, of 1923. This new legislation aims to modernize the existing framework, enhance safety, and streamline regulatory processes for boiler operations in India.
Approved by the Cabinet on August 2, 2024, the Boilers Bill, 2024, replaces the outdated Boilers Act, of 1923, addressing the contemporary needs of stakeholders including industries, boiler operators, and regulatory bodies. The new Bill is designed to improve clarity and usability by restructuring the Act into six chapters and consolidating provisions that were previously scattered across the old legislation.
The bill introduces several key changes:
Decriminalization: The bill removes criminal charges for three out of the seven current offences related to boiler safety. While severe infractions that pose significant risks to life and property retain criminal penalties, other offences will incur fiscal penalties. Non-criminal offences will now be managed through administrative penalties rather than court proceedings.
Enhanced Safety Measures: New provisions mandate that boiler operations and repairs be conducted by qualified and competent personnel, aiming to ensure higher safety standards for workers.
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): By removing obsolete provisions and simplifying compliance, the bill is expected to facilitate better regulatory practices and support the MSME sector involved in boiler operations.
Modernized Drafting: The Bill adopts contemporary drafting practices for clearer and more accessible legal text. Definitions and provisions have been updated to reflect current practices and remove redundancy.
The bill also addresses gaps identified in the Boilers Act, of 1923, which was amended in 2007 to include third-party inspections. Recent amendments are in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens and align with modern standards. New clauses in the bill provide for a detailed framework for rule-making by central and state governments, and for the Central Boilers Board.
Significant changes include:
Omission of Redundant Provisions: Certain sections from the old Act, deemed obsolete, have been removed.
Introduction of New Definitions: The bill adds new definitions for clarity and updates existing ones.
Administrative Adjustments: Provisions for adjudication and appeal processes have been incorporated to streamline resolution of disputes.
The overhaul of the Boilers Act is part of the government’s broader initiative to review and update pre-constitution laws to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in contemporary settings.