Boilers Bill Passed: Overhauling Century-Old Legislation for Safety and Efficiency

The Lok Sabha has passed the Boilers Bill, 2024, updating the 1923 law to regulate boiler safety, decriminalize seven offences, and enhance business efficiency. The bill retains state powers, emphasizing modern standards and removing outdated provisions. It previously received Rajya Sabha approval.

The Lok Sabha recently approved the Boilers Bill, 2024, a legislative reform targeting the safety regulation of boilers. This overhaul replaces the outdated Boilers Act of 1923. Passing with substantial support, the bill underscores modernization efforts and highlights improvements in safety standards for personnel and equipment.

Key objectives of the bill include decriminalizing specific offences to streamline business operations and ensure the involvement of qualified professionals in boiler maintenance. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the removal of redundant colonial provisions in the bill and reassured that state powers remain intact.

Despite opposition walkouts during government criticism of previous legislative delays, the bill's passage marks significant progress in updating India's safety and industrial regulations, aligning with contemporary legal and operational standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)