Boilers Bill 2024

August 7, 2024

On 2nd August 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the Boilers Bill, 2024, in the Rajya Sabha. This new Bill aims to replace the old Boilers Act of 1923. The main purpose of the Bill is to update the rules about boilers to fit current industry and safety standards.

Decriminalisation of Offences

The Bill aims to decriminalise three out of the seven offences listed in the old Act. This means that instead of treating these offences as crimes, they will be handled through penalties. This change is intended to reduce the load on the courts while still keeping control over boiler regulations. For non-criminal violations, there will be penalties instead of fines. These will be managed by an executive mechanism, not the courts. This approach is designed to make resolving issues quicker and easier. The Bill aims to make it easier for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to comply with boiler regulations. It does this by providing clearer guidelines and reducing the administrative work needed to follow the rules.

Focus on Safety

The Bill includes specific rules to ensure the safety of people working with boilers. For example, it requires that only qualified professionals perform boiler repairs, to ensure safe operations. The Bill is divided into six clear chapters, each grouping similar rules together. This structure makes it easier to navigate and understand the regulatory framework.

About Boilers Act 1923

The old Boilers Act of 1923 was designed to prevent accidents from boiler explosions. It required boilers to be certified before use and set up a Central Boiler Board to oversee regulations, which were enforced by the states. The Act covered various steam-generating appliances and included inspections of design, construction, and operation. Non-compliance could lead to penalties or shutdowns. In 2007, amendments expanded the scope to include pressure vessels and introduced additional safety directives.

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