On March 25, 2025, the Lok Sabha deliberated on the much-anticipated Boilers Bill, 2024, aiming to replace the Boilers Act of 1923. The bill proposes key reforms to modernize safety regulations, enhance industrial efficiency, and eliminate outdated provisions that hinder the ease of doing business.
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This bill is crucial for industries reliant on steam boilers, such as power generation, manufacturing, and chemical processing, ensuring safer operations and compliance with international standards.
Background: Why is the Boilers Bill, 2024, Necessary?
The Boilers Act of 1923 was enacted to regulate the manufacture, installation, and maintenance of steam boilers in India. While effective for its time, the law has several outdated provisions that do not align with modern industrial needs and safety standards.
Key Issues with the Boilers Act, 1923:
- Rigid penal provisions: The existing law criminalizes minor infractions, discouraging industry growth.
- Bureaucratic delays: Lengthy approval processes make compliance difficult.
- Outdated safety measures: The act does not fully incorporate modern technology in monitoring and maintenance.
- Limited ease of doing business: Several provisions create unnecessary legal and financial burdens.
To address these challenges, the Boilers Bill, 2024, introduces progressive reforms that balance safety, industrial flexibility, and regulatory efficiency.
Key Features of the Boilers Bill, 2024
1. Decriminalization of Minor Infractions
- The bill removes criminal penalties for three out of seven existing offenses.
- Minor violations will now be treated as civil offenses, reducing the burden on industries.
- The focus shifts from punishment to compliance and safety training.
2. Streamlined Penalties & Inspections
- Conversion of penalties to fines makes enforcement fairer.
- Reduces inspector raj and improves transparency.
- Encourages industries to invest in modern boiler technologies.
3. Removal of Obsolete Provisions
- Eliminates redundant clauses that slow down industrial approvals.
- Aligns India’s boiler safety laws with global best practices.
Legislative Journey of the Boilers Bill, 2024
- Rajya Sabha
- Introduced: August 8, 2024
- Passed: December 4, 2024
- Lok Sabha
- Introduced: March 25, 2025
- Presented by: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal
- Currently under parliamentary discussion.
Stakeholder Impact: Who Benefits from the Bill?
- Industries & Businesses
- Faster approvals for new boiler installations.
- Lower compliance costs due to reduced penalties.
- Boosts manufacturing, power, and chemical industries.
- Workers & Safety Standards
- Stronger safety protocols reduce workplace hazards.
- Regular inspections and training promote compliance.
- Encourages adoption of modern boiler technology.
- Regulatory Authorities
- Reduces legal burden by converting minor offenses to fines.
- Focuses on safety compliance instead of penalties.
- Increases efficiency in monitoring industrial boilers.
Potential Challenges & Criticism
- Concerns Raised by Opposition Leaders
- Trade Unions: Fear that decriminalization might reduce employer accountability.
- Environmentalists: Call for stricter pollution control measures.
- Small Businesses: Seek simpler registration procedures in addition to decriminalization.
- Need for Further Revisions
- Experts suggest more clarity on safety audits and stricter liability clauses for large corporations.
Moving Forward: A Step Towards Industrial Reform
The Boilers Bill, 2024, is a crucial reform that balances industrial growth with safety standards. While the bill brings much-needed modernization, further refinements may be required to address workers’ safety concerns and environmental issues.
All eyes are focused on the final amendments and the eventual implementation of the bill as the Lok Sabha continues its deliberations.
By – Nikita
