(a) Whether the Government propose to make certain amendments in the
Indian Boilers Act, 1923;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) Whether a Bill in this respect was also discussed in the year 1995 but could not introduced;
(d) If so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) The time by which the Bill in this regard is likely to be introduced ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (Dr. RAMAN SINGH)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) to (e): A Bill, namely the Indian Boilers (Amendment) Bill,1994 for amendment of the Indian Boilers Act, 1923 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 13th May,1994. The salient features of the Bill provide for:
(i) The inspection of boilers during manufacture, erection and use in line with the present technological developments throughout the world;
(ii) Decentralization of inspection of boilers during their manufacture, erection and use, by additionally allowing independent inspection agencies.
(iii) Enhancing the penalties for contravention of the provisions of the Act on the lines of the provisions contained in the Factories Act, 1948 as amended in 1987;
(iv) Change in procedure for filing appeals against the orders made under the Act.
(v) Energy audit for achieving higher efficiency in the use of boilers;
(vi) Change in constitution and the powers of the Central Boilers Board for overseeing and enforcing the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
The Rajya Sabha referred the Bill to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry. The Standing Committee after examination of the Bill, comments received from all concerned and the oral evidence of parties invited made certain suggestions, including modifications, in its Report which was presented to the Rajya Sabha in March, 1995. The recommendations have been examined in detail in consultation with the Central Boilers Board, State Governments and other concerned and Government have decided to make further amendments to the Bill. The Amendment Bill together with the official amendments is likely to be considered in the