Rajya Sabha Approves Boilers Bill 2024 to Replace Century-Old Boilers Act for Enhanced Safety

The Rajya Sabha has approved a bill aimed at regulating boilers and ensuring safety from steam-boiler explosions. This new Boilers Bill, 2024, intends to replace the Boilers Act of 1923. It focuses on decriminalising certain offences and simplifying business operations. The bill was passed in the Upper House through a voice vote and includes measures to protect workers operating within boilers.

Representative image

Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, introduced the bill, highlighting the need to eliminate outdated colonial laws. He mentioned that the government is reviewing pre-1947 laws for necessary updates. Goyal emphasised that the bill mandates inspections by qualified individuals to ensure safety and accountability. He noted that the amendment of 2007 took 35 years to implement.

Boilers Bill and State Rights

Goyal assured members that the new law does not infringe on state rights. He addressed concerns about cooperative federalism, stating that all state rights remain intact as they were in 2007. The minister also mentioned plans to celebrate Atal Behari Vajpayee's birth centenary from December 25. He criticised the Congress for not introducing such legislation earlier.

Opposition members expressed concerns about the bill's alignment with current environmental and safety standards. NCP SCP member Fauzia Khan highlighted the need for routine boiler inspections, especially on the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. She questioned allowing private parties to certify boiler safety through third-party audits.

Impact on Business and Safety

The commerce ministry stated that the Boilers Bill, 2024, will benefit users, including those in the MSME sector, by incorporating decriminalisation provisions. For four major offences that could lead to loss of life or property, criminal penalties remain. For other offences, financial penalties replace court-imposed fines.

CPI M Member John Brittas criticised the bill, claiming it lacks substance and could worsen Delhi's smog problem. The bill's provisions have been organised into six chapters for clarity and understanding. The Union Cabinet had approved this bill on August 2 this year.

Goyal explained that processes have been streamlined to ease certification and operations nationwide. This aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for industries. He reiterated that no state rights have been removed with this legislation, maintaining cooperative federalism as a priority.

The Boilers Bill represents a step towards modernising India's regulatory framework while ensuring safety and business efficiency. By updating century-old laws, it seeks to align with contemporary demands without compromising state autonomy or public safety concerns.