Boiler Amendment Bill 2024 Passed to Ensure Worker Safety

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Boiler (Amendment) Bill, 2024, replacing a century-old boiler regulation to enhance safety and promote ease of doing business. The bill introduces specific provisions to ensure the safety of workers operating within boiler facilities, marking a significant step towards modernizing industrial safety norms.

Key Highlights of the Amendment
1.    Central Boiler Board Formation: The bill empowers the government to establish a Central Boiler Board to oversee and regulate boiler safety across the country.
2.    Focus on Worker Safety: Special provisions have been introduced to protect workers from potential hazards associated with boiler operations.
3.    Updated Penal Provisions: Of the seven offenses listed under the original law, four major ones—posing a risk to life and property—remain categorized as criminal offenses, ensuring stringent penalties. Minor offenses will now be addressed with financial penalties.

Benefits for MSMEs and Businesses
The amendment is expected to benefit MSMEs and other boiler users by simplifying regulatory processes. It includes non-criminal provisions for minor violations, reducing unnecessary legal hurdles while maintaining accountability for major infractions.

Government’s Commitment to Welfare
During the discussion, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that worker welfare is a top priority for the government. The updated bill aims to strike a balance between safety and ease of business operations.
This reform not only modernizes boiler safety laws but also strengthens India’s industrial framework by aligning regulations with global standards, ensuring both worker protection and industrial growth.