Latest news with #AmendmentofProvisions)Act
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
EoDB push: T to soften punishments for minor offences across depts
Hyderabad: In a major reform initiative, the Telangana govt is working to decriminalise and deregulate select provisions across various departments, aiming to simplify governance and promote ease of doing business (EoDB). As many as 17 state departments across 23 sectors are involved in this effort, which aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, and broader national reform goals. While departments such as forest, labour, and municipal administration have already submitted preliminary proposals, others are in the process of finalising theirs. Central Acts will be handled by the Union govt, while amendments to state laws will be implemented by the state. For instance, the Telangana forest department has proposed removing imprisonment clauses for certain minor offences, replacing them with enhanced monetary penalties. Under the existing Telangana Forest Act, 1967, offences such as tree felling on private land, forest trespass, and encroachments can lead to jail terms ranging from one to six months — often affecting farmers and tribals near forest areas. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Under the proposed amendment, tree felling may attract a fine of up to Rs 10,000 — with provisions for sealing timber depots or sawmills found in violation — instead of jail time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Write Better, Work Smarter With This Desktop App Grammarly Install Now Undo A senior forest official said: "The state will amend the Telangana Forest Act, while central Acts such as the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation Act will be addressed by the Centre." Some reforms under the Jan Vishwas Act have already been enacted at the central level. Meanwhile, the industries department, the nodal agency for EoDB, is encouraging departments to decriminalise minor infractions and simplify compliance to attract foreign investment. Recognising that certain financial penalties may be viewed as criminal sanctions under international law, some clauses are being relabelled as 'fees' rather than fines. A senior official from the department told TOI, "The municipal administration department and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority are working on flexible zoning and building regulations. At present, even industrial units must allocate 33% of land for setbacks, parking, and open spaces, which is a significant disincentive for multinational companies." Maharashtra was one of the early movers in decriminalisation efforts, while Gujarat implemented wide-ranging reforms under EoDB. Karnataka focused on decriminalising violations in Municipal and Industrial Development Acts. While streamlining regulatory processes and compliances, Uttar Pradesh reduced criminal liability under its industrial and municipal laws. The Telangana industries department is also pushing to streamline labour laws. Currently, establishments that breach working hour norms face criminal penalties. Proposed amendments aim to reduce these penalties and convert them into administrative fees. Additionally, the labour department is working to allow 24x7 operation of commercial establishments, with provisions for shift-based employment. In a parallel development, the state govt is also preparing to amend recruitment rules to enable employment of persons affected by leprosy, in compliance with a Supreme Court directive. The law department has asked all departments to submit details of posts currently not available to such individuals, with a view to tabling relevant legislation in the upcoming assembly sessions. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
To lure investors, Kerala govt plans legislation to decriminalize minor offences across various laws
T'puram: The state govt is contemplating the introduction of comprehensive state-level legislation aimed at decriminalising minor offences across various state laws. The initiative draws inspiration from Centre's Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which amended 183 provisions across 42 central statutes to promote trust-based governance and ease of doing business. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The proposal was deliberated at a high-level meeting chaired by the chief secretary on April 28. During the discussions (the minutes of which were accessed by TOI), the task of exploring the feasibility of such omnibus legislation was entrusted to the personnel and administrative reforms department additional chief secretary, industries department principal secretary and law department secretary. They were directed to identify a nodal department to spearhead the initiative and circulate a policy file for formal approval to draft and introduce the proposed legislation. Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 represents a shift in the country's legal framework by replacing criminal penalties with civil penalties or fines for minor infractions. The Act introduces administrative adjudication mechanisms to handle technical violations, thereby reducing the burden on criminal courts. By simplifying compliance requirements and eliminating the fear of criminal prosecution, it seeks to create a more conducive environment for businesses and individuals alike. To further the reforms, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is revising nearly 100 rules and laws across various departments under Jan Vishwas 2.0. Centre views this as part of its drive to support 'Make in India' initiative and modernize the regulatory ecosystem. The Act eliminates outdated provisions, saving time and resources for both govt and judiciary while easing regulatory compliance for businesses. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The joint parliamentary committee that reviewed the Bill recommended extending the decriminalisation exercise to more laws, reinforcing the need for continuous reforms that align the country's framework with global business standards and investor expectations. Kerala's proposed legislation aligns with this national shift, but the state's legal framework presents additional challenges. Several provisions in state laws carry penalties that are disproportionate to the nature and gravity of violations. These too must be reviewed and amended to ensure fairness. Removing such harsh clauses is essential for Kerala to position itself as a genuinely business-friendly state. Yet, legal amendments alone may not suffice. While this omnibus Act may reduce procedural hurdles for entrepreneurs, Kerala continues to face systemic issues — most notably, the persistent presence of hyperactive trade unionism. This remains a complex challenge that no legislative overhaul can fully resolve. A stark reminder of this came in the form of the tragic suicide of entrepreneur Sajan in Anthoor, Thaliparamba, allegedly driven by bureaucratic interference. The incident sparked widespread debate about entrenched anti-business attitudes. Even the Kerala high court, in a 2021 ruling, observed that incidents of nokkukooli and coercive union practices were giving the state a reputation for "militant trade unionism." The court noted that such practices were deterring investors and needed to be eradicated. Former industries secretary and IAS officer P H Kurien welcomed the initiative, calling it a much-needed step in a state "with so many regulatory laws pulling back industrial growth and investment." However, he cautioned: "A mere act or law may not suffice; the spirit of the reform must percolate down to the very end of the bureaucratic chain to deliver real results."
