The government introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, aiming to decriminalize minor offenses to foster ease of living and business in India. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, presenting the bill, emphasized its role in promoting trust-based governance to streamline the business environment. The bill was promptly referred to a Select Committee of the Lok Sabha, tasked with submitting its report by the first day of the next parliamentary session.
The legislation proposes amendments to over 350 provisions across various central Acts, continuing the government’s efforts to enhance India’s business climate. Building on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment to Provisions) Act of 2023, which decriminalized 183 provisions across 42 Acts under 19 ministries, the 2025 bill seeks to further reduce legal hurdles. The earlier Act eliminated imprisonment and fines for certain minor offenses, retained fines in some cases, and converted imprisonment and fines to penalties in others, aiming to simplify compliance for businesses and individuals.
The bill’s introduction occurred amid chaos in the Lok Sabha, as opposition parties, including Congress, protested vociferously, demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar. Their slogans and placards disrupted proceedings, leading to an adjournment until 2 PM. Despite the din, the government managed to advance the bill, signaling its commitment to economic reforms.
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The Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 is seen as a critical step toward reducing bureaucratic obstacles and fostering a more business-friendly environment, aligning with the government’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. However, the opposition’s focus on electoral issues highlights the political tensions surrounding the legislative agenda, with the Select Committee’s review now pivotal in shaping the bill’s final form.
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