Introduction:
- Boilers Bill, 2024 introduced in Rajya Sabha to repeal the Boilers Act, 1923.
- Historical Context:
- The 1923 Act ensured uniform technical regulation of boilers across India.
- Amended in 2007 to allow inspection and certification by independent third-party inspecting authorities.
- Further reviewed in 2023 to align with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 by incorporating decriminalized provisions.
Key Features of the Bill:
- Competent Authority:
- Defined as an institution recognized by regulations for granting welding certificates for boilers and components.
- Penalties:
- Unauthorized structural alterations or additions to boilers without Chief Inspector authorization can lead to imprisonment (up to 2 years), fines (up to ₹1 lakh), or both.
- Central Government Powers:
- Authorized to remove difficulties in implementing the Act within three years of commencement.
- Central Boilers Board:
- To be constituted by the Central Government to regulate the design, manufacture, erection, and use of boilers and components.
Objective of the Bill:
- Safety and Regulation:
- Regulates the manufacture and use of boilers to ensure the safety of life and property from boiler explosions.
- Prohibits the use of unregistered and uncertified boilers, mandates accident reporting, and promotes uniformity in registration and inspection processes.
Importance of Industrial Boilers:
- High-Risk Operations:
- Industrial boilers involve burning large quantities of fuel, attaining high temperature and pressure zones, and handling high-energy steam, necessitating strict safety regulations.
