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.
About Boilers
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