This initiative reflects the government's commitment to "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" as it proposes 355 amendments across 16 Central Acts administered by 10 Ministries/Departments.
- Purpose: Advance Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living reforms by simplifying compliance, updating laws, and embedding trust-based governance
- Background: Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts.
Key Features of the bill:-
- Decriminalisation: It decriminalizes 288 provisions and replaces imprisonment clauses for minor defaults with monetary penalties or warnings.
- Four Acts,i.e,Tea Act, 1953, Legal Metrology Act, 2009, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 & Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 which were part of Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 are proposed for further decriminalisation under the current Bill.
- Rationalisation of Penalties: Penalties are made proportionate, with graduated penalties for repeated offences.
- First-Time Contraventions: 76 offences under 10 Acts will now attract an advisory or warning for first-time contraventions.
- Ease of Living Enhancements: Various provisions are proposed for amendment in New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to facilitate Ease of Living.
- Streamlined Adjudication: Designated officers are empowered to impose penalties via administrative processes, thereby reducing judicial burden.
- Automatic Penalty Revision: Fines and penalties will see an automatic 10% increase every three years to maintain deterrence without requiring new legislation.