The Boilers Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha, seeks to replace the archaic Boilers Act, 1923. Presented by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, this new legislation addresses current industry requirements while enhancing worker safety and simplifying regulatory processes.
Key highlights include decriminalizing three out of seven offenses to foster trust and ensure speedy resolution for non-criminal offenses. Criminal penalties for safety-related violations are retained, emphasizing the government’s commitment to worker safety. Additionally, the bill introduces fiscal penalties for other offenses, ensuring smoother legal processes.
The bill has been meticulously drafted, grouping similar provisions for clarity, simplifying processes for MSMEs, and integrating modern definitions to ensure relevance. It represents a broader government effort to reassess pre-constitution laws, aiming for their alignment with contemporary needs.
Once passed by the Lok Sabha, the bill will proceed to the President for assent, marking a significant milestone in legal and industrial reform.