2. BOILERS BILL, 2024
Context: The Boilers Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha recently by the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry.
Key Features of the Boilers Bill, 2024
• Decriminalisation of Offences: 3 out of 7 offences decriminalised to boost Ease of Doing Business.
• 4 major offences (leading to possible loss of life/property) retain criminal penalties.
• Enhanced Safety Measures: Ensures safety of workers operating boilers through:
• Mandatory repair by qualified and competent personnel.
• Specific provisions for worker safety during boiler operations.
• Removal of Obsolete Provisions: Redundant and obsolete provisions from the Boilers Act, 1923 have been omitted.
• New and enabling provisions have been introduced to facilitate the creation of rules and regulations where none existed earlier.
• Alignment with Jan Vishwas Act, 2023: Boilers Bill, 2024 incorporates the spirit of Jan Vishwas Act by reducing judicial intervention and encouraging executive action for non-criminal violations.
• Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 aims to decriminalise minor offences to promote EoDB.
What is a Boiler?
• Definition: A boiler is a closed vessel where water or another fluid is heated to generate steam or hot water for industrial processes, heating applications, or power generation.
• The heated fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications.
• Basic Working of a Boiler
• Fuel Source: Coal, natural gas, oil, biomass, or electricity.
• Heat Generation: Fuel is burned in a furnace to produce heat.
• Water Heating: Heat transfers to water or other fluids in the boiler to generate steam.
• Steam Output: The steam produced is used for power generation, heating, or other industrial processes.
Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/lok-sabha-passes-the-boilers-bill-2024-to-replace-100-year-old-act-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/119481479.cms