Jan Vishwas 2.0 Initiative
The Indian government is launching the second edition of the Jan Vishwas Bill, aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business by decriminalizing various provisions across multiple laws and ministries.
Scope and Coverage
- The initiative targets 82 provisions from 17 Acts and 11 ministries, including key sectors such as Education and Road Transport & Highways.
- This effort is part of a broader plan to decriminalize over 100 provisions as announced in the Union Budget 2025.
- The Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) has reviewed 942 provisions across 129 Acts and 32 ministries/departments for this purpose.
Key Ministries and Provisions Identified
- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: 27 provisions identified for decriminalization.
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: 21 provisions to be amended to facilitate Ease of Living.
- Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE): 13 provisions identified.
- Consumer Affairs Ministry: 12 provisions to be decriminalized.
- Textiles and Commerce Ministries: To address nine and six provisions, respectively.
- Department of School Education & Literacy: Four provisions related to teacher education institutes.
- Health Ministry and Ministry for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises: To defang three provisions each.
- Power and Department of Financial Services: Two provisions each are proposed for modification.
States' Involvement and Legislative Reforms
The Centre is encouraging states to create their own Jan Vishwas bills to reduce legal overlaps, citing Madhya Pradesh as an example, which implemented a law in December 2024.
Repeal of Redundant Laws
- The approach includes repealing 'redundant laws' or 'homogenous mirror laws' that are no longer necessary.
- Examples include beggary laws, lepers acts, laws addressing opium smoking, and state-level Right to Information Acts.