The Boilers Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2024, by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, marking a significant update to the century-old Boilers Act, 1923. This new bill aims to modernize boiler safety regulations and enhance the ease of doing business by removing outdated and redundant provisions. The bill introduces a more streamlined approach by decriminalizing three out of seven offenses, reserving criminal penalties for serious safety violations that could endanger life and property. For less critical issues, fiscal penalties will replace fines, and non-criminal offenses will now be managed through an executive mechanism rather than through the courts. This notification was published on August 8, 2024.
The new bill features updated definitions and consolidated provisions across six chapters for clearer understanding and application. It also prioritizes the safety of workers and mandates that boiler repairs be conducted by qualified personnel. This overhaul not only simplifies compliance for businesses, especially MSMEs, but also aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, reflecting modern drafting practices and addressing current industry needs.
