Context:

• The Lok Sabha recently passed the Boilers Bill, 2024, aiming to regulate boilers, ensure safety from steam-boiler explosions, and standardize registration processes. This legislation replaces the Boilers Act of 1923 and had previously been approved by the Rajya Sabha in December of the previous year.
• The Boilers Act of 1923 was established to regulate the manufacturing, installation, operation, alterations, and repair of steam boilers, ensuring their safe operation across India.

Salient Features of the Boilers Bill, 2024

1.   Regulation of Boilers: The Bill mandates the registration of boilers before they commence operation, with the registration requiring annual renewal. ​

2.   Exemptions: Boilers with a capacity below 25 liters, operating at pressures under 1 kg/cm², or used for water heating below 100 degrees Celsius are exempt from the Bill's provisions. Additionally, boilers used by the armed forces are also exempted.

3.   Offenses and Penalties: The Bill outlines penalties for offenses such as unauthorized alterations to boilers or tampering with safety valves, aiming to deter unsafe practices. ​

4.   Safety and Uniformity: The legislation seeks to prevent boiler explosions and ensure the safety of life and property by promoting uniform standards across the country. ​

5.   Decriminalization Provisions: Incorporating measures from the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, the Bill decriminalize certain offenses, converting them into civil penalties to ease compliance burdens. ​

Importance of the Bill

The Boilers Bill, 2024, aims to enhance safety in industries utilizing boilers by standardizing regulations nationwide. By focusing on preventing boiler explosions, it seeks to protect both life and property, thereby fostering a safer industrial environment. ​

Key Issues

1.   Exemption from Provisions: The Bill empowers state governments to exempt certain areas from its provisions, which could lead to inconsistencies and potential safety compromises. ​

2.   Lack of Appeal Mechanism: There is an absence of a formal appeal process for decisions made by the central government or inspectors, raising concerns about administrative fairness. ​

3.   Entry Powers for Inspectors: Inspectors are granted authority to enter premises for inspections; however, the Bill does not specify safeguards or guidelines for these powers, potentially affecting privacy and operational autonomy. ​

Conclusion

The Boilers Bill, 2024, represents a significant advancement in modernizing India's boiler regulations. Its successful implementation will require addressing the highlighted issues to ensure that safety standards are upheld without compromising environmental considerations, judicial fairness, or consistent enforcement across regions.