The Indian Boilers (Amendment) Bill, 2007 approved on Nov 28, 2007 by Rajya Sabha, which was presented by Minister of State for Commerce and Industries Ashwani Kumar.
1. Purpose: streamline the boilers industry in the country without curtailing the authority of state governments in the matter.
2. Appointment of technical advisers: The Bill provides for appointment of technical advisers and registration of competent authorities to carry out inspection of boilers during their manufacuture and use.
3. Formation of a Central Boilers Board: which would be the apex body for the formulation of rules and guidelines for regulation of manufacture and use of boilers. Board would have representation from each and every state government, besides technical experts, and any decision by the Board would be taken only by evolving a consensus.
4. Punishment for offenders:
1. jail terms for two years
2. penalty amount revised from Rs 1000 to Rs one lakh
5. Now private parties will also be able to inspect boilers: As states don’t have sufficient machinery.
6. New Definition of Boiler :
- Baby Boilers will also be now under purview of inspections. Earlier these were boilers with less then 22.75 liter ( 5 gallon ) now this 22.75 liter revised to 25 liter.
- Now capacity of boiler will be measured from the feed-check valve to the main steam stop valve.
7. New Definition of Accident : Errors that lead to accidents that are capable of causing death and destruction of property and injury to limb will be treated as accidents. This is done to differentiate between minor pin-hole leak, corrosion Vs major blunders.
8. Flexibility in Inspection Period: Now it is agreed that with modern technology, inspection period can be increased instead of every year to avoid production loss.
