DPIIT working on 100 rules to decriminalise minor offences

Minor offenses: In yet another step for the country to ease doing business in India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, or DPIIT, on Saturday said that it is reviewing around 100 rules and laws to decriminalize minor offenses. It is a part of the new Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill.

It was last year that the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act came in to decriminalize petty offenses in 42 central Acts. This move resulted in the elimination of 183 criminal provisions across 19 ministries and departments and was recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which reviewed the steps taken to further act upon the reformations for more Acts, thus enabling India's regulatory framework to remain modern.

Civil penalties and administrative actions for minor technical or procedural lapses were introduced by the Jan Vishwas Act's first version, which significantly reduced the fear of criminal penalties. The change is not only aimed at simplifying regulatory compliance but also at improving the overall business environment in the country.

According to DPIIT, the government is working on the rules and laws pertaining to the affairs of around 100 departments of the government to bring out the Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill to ease doing business even more. In other words, rigorous scrutiny can now become a proactive response by the government to welcome an even more conducive atmosphere for business that will talk in favor of entrepreneurs and investors alike.

The reform set in motion will be keenly watched by all stakeholders as DPIIT advances, further adding to the benefits of making India an attractive destination for investments and wholesome economic growth.