Piyush Goyal Introduces Boilers Bill 2024 in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi [India], August 9: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal introduced the Boilers Bill 2024 in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This new bill replaces the Boilers Act of 1923.
The union cabinet had approved the repeal of the existing Boilers Act, 1923, and the introduction of the Boilers Bill, 2024, earlier this month. The bill has been drafted with modern practices to provide more clarity. Similar provisions from the old act have been grouped into six chapters for easier understanding. The functions and powers of the central government, state governments, and Central Boilers Board are detailed to avoid confusion.
For Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), the bill benefits boiler users, including those in the MSME sector, by incorporating provisions related to decriminalization. Out of seven offences, four major ones that could result in loss of life and property retain criminal penalties. For other offences, fiscal penalties are introduced. Non-criminal offences now have ‘penalties’ instead of ‘fines,’ which will be levied through an executive mechanism rather than courts.
The bill enhances safety by ensuring that only qualified and competent persons repair boilers and that workers inside boilers are protected. The Centre is reviewing all pre-constitution acts to ensure their relevance in current times.
Doubts Revealed
Piyush Goyal -: Piyush Goyal is a politician in India. He is the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, which means he helps manage trade and business in the country.
Boilers Bill 2024 -: The Boilers Bill 2024 is a new set of rules for using and maintaining boilers, which are machines that produce steam or hot water. This bill updates old rules from 1923 to make them better and safer.
Rajya Sabha -: Rajya Sabha is one of the two houses of the Parliament of India. It is like a big meeting place where important people discuss and make laws for the country.
Boilers Act of 1923 -: The Boilers Act of 1923 was an old set of rules about how to use and take care of boilers. The new bill will replace these old rules with better ones.
MSME sector -: MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. These are small businesses that are very important for the economy because they provide jobs and make many products.
criminal penalties -: Criminal penalties are punishments given when someone breaks a serious law. These can include going to jail.
fiscal penalties -: Fiscal penalties are fines or money that people have to pay when they break minor rules. It is like getting a ticket for not following small laws.
safety measures -: Safety measures are steps taken to make sure people do not get hurt. In this bill, it means making sure workers who use boilers are safe.