Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill

In News

• Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022 in the Lok Sabha.
  • The Bill promotes ease of doing business by decriminalising minor offences in 42 Acts administered by 19 ministries.

What’s in Jan Vishwas Bill 2022?

• Aim: 
  • It proposes to decriminalise many minor offences by replacing them with monetary penalties.
  • A unique feature of the proposal is an increase of 10% of the minimum amount of fine and penalty levied after the expiry of every three years once the bill becomes a law. 
• It proposes amendments to the Acts:
  • The Boilers Act.
  • The Aadhar Act, 2016.
  • the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, 2006.
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
  • Public Debt Act, 1944. 
  • Pharmacy Act, 1948.
  • Cinematograph Act, 1952.
  • Copyright Act, 1957.
  • Patents Act, 1970.
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
  • Trade Marks Act, 1999.
  • Railways Act, 1989.
  • Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002.
  • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
  • Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
  • Factoring Regulation Act, 2011.

How will the Bill help in ease of doing business?

• The fear of imprisonment for minor offenses is a major factor hampering the growth of the business ecosystem and individual confidence.
• A web of outdated rules and regulations causes trust deficit.
• Need of the hour is to achieve Minimum Government, Maximum Governance, redefining the regulatory landscape of the country under the Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business reforms.

Source: AIR