Modernising an Outdated Law
Boilers Bill, 2024 Passed: Modernising India’s Boiler Safety Law : In a significant legislative update, Parliament has passed the Boilers Bill, 2024, officially repealing the Boilers Act of 1923, which governed boiler operations for over a century. The new law is designed to improve the regulation of boilers and enhance safety for people and property from the dangers of steam boiler explosions. This reform marks a step forward in aligning India’s boiler laws with modern industrial safety standards.
Key Changes in Regulation and Safety
The Boilers Bill, 2024 introduces uniform standards for registration and inspection of boilers across India, ensuring consistency during manufacturing and usage. The bill retains criminal penalties for four major offences that may lead to loss of life or property, while introducing fiscal penalties for less severe infractions. This dual penalty framework aims to maintain safety while avoiding excessive punishment for minor violations.
Inclusion of State Government Definition
One key improvement in the new bill is the inclusion of a definition for “State Government”, which was absent in the 1923 Act. This ensures better legal clarity and administrative accountability across states. This change also supports improved coordination between state and central authorities when it comes to boiler safety enforcement and compliance.
Impact on Industrial Safety
By updating the regulatory framework, the bill enhances industrial safety and simplifies boiler operation compliance for businesses. It ensures safer working environments in sectors like manufacturing, power, and textiles, where steam boilers are commonly used. The bill is expected to boost investor confidence by ensuring a safer and clearer regulatory landscape for industrial operations.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Boilers Bill, 2024 Passed: Modernising India’s Boiler Safety Law :
| Feature | Details |
| Bill Passed | Boilers Bill, 2024 |
| Repealed Act | Boilers Act, 1923 |
| Purpose | Regulation and safety in boiler use |
| New Provision | Uniform registration & inspection across India |
| Major Offences | Retain criminal penalties |
| Minor Offences | Fiscal penalties introduced |
| Key Addition | Definition of “State Government” included |
| Sector Impacted | Manufacturing, Power, Industrial Safety |
| Lok Sabha Approval | Yes (Bill passed in 2024) |
| Broader Goal | Prevent boiler explosions and protect life/property |
