The Bill replaces Boilers Act, 1923 and incorporates the decriminalized provisions in consonance with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023. 

• The Bill will ensure the safety of life and property of persons from the dangers of explosions of steam boilers. 

Key provisions of the Bill 

• Regulation: Centre will constitute Central Boilers Board to regulate the design, manufacture, erection and use of boiler and boiler components. 
• Inspection: Inspections can be carried out by State-appointed Inspectors or authorized third parties. 
• Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): Of the 7 offences in the erstwhile Act only 4 serious offences involving loss of life or property have been retained for criminal penalties. 
  • For all non-criminal offences ‘fine’ has been converted into ‘penalty’ to be levied through executive mechanism instead of courts as existed earlier.

Issues associated with Bill

• Safety Concerns: The state government can exempt areas from the Bill, raising doubts about ensuring safety in exempted zones. 
• Limited Judicial Recourse: Decisions of the central government and state-appointed inspectors cannot be challenged in regular courts. Aggrieved individuals must file writ petitions in High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution.
• Hindrance to EoDB: No timelines are set for inspections, or approvals for boiler alterations, repairs, or erection.