04 Apr Jan Vishwas 2.0: Boosting Ease of Doing Business and Living
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SYLLABUS MAPPING
GS– 2- Polity & Governance- Jan Vishwas 2.0: Boosting Ease of Doing Business and Living
FOR PRELIMS
What are the major challenges in implementing decriminalisation reforms in India?
FOR MAINS
What are the key features of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026?
Why in the News?
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 is in the news as it represents the second and more comprehensive phase of India’s decriminalisation reform agenda. It builds upon the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 and the earlier Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025 (introduced in Lok Sabha on 18 August 2025), significantly expanding the scope of reforms. The Bill proposes amendments to 79 Central Acts across 23 Ministries, covering 784 provisions, of which 717 are aimed at decriminalisation and 67 focus on improving ease of living. It reflects a major shift in governance philosophy — from a punitive, compliance-heavy system to a trust-based regulatory framework, in line with the idea of “Jan Vishwas” (People’s Trust).
Key Features of the Bill
2.1 Scope and Scale
Proposes amendments in 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries
Covers 784 provisions in total:
1. 717 provisions proposed for decriminalisation
2. 67 provisions aimed at improving ease of living
3. Builds upon the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 and the Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025 (introduced in Lok Sabha on 18 August 2025, covering 16 Acts across 10 Ministries)
Four Pillars of the Bill
| Pillar | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Before Punishment | First-time/minor lapses addressed through warnings, not immediate penalties |
| Proportionate Penalties | Penalties calibrated to the severity of the offence |
| Faster & Fair Resolution | Dedicated adjudicating officers reduce court burden and ensure swift resolution |
| Dynamic Penalty Framework | Periodic revision of penalties to keep enforcement relevant and effective |
Legislative Journey
| Year/Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 enacted — 42 Acts amended; 183 provisions decriminalised |
| August 18, 2025 | Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha — 16 Acts, 10 Ministries, 355 provisions |
| 2025–2026 | Select Committee constituted; held 49 sittings; examined 62 additional Acts |
| March 13, 2026 | Select Committee submitted report to Lok Sabha with expanded recommendations |
| April 2026 | Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026 introduced — 79 Acts, 23 Ministries, 784 provisions |
Citizen-Centric Reforms (Ease of Living)
| Act | Earlier Provision | Reformed Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Railways Act, 1989 | Criminal fine for not vacating reserved berth | Civil penalty up to ₹1,000 |
| Court Fees Act, 1870 | Imprisonment up to 6 months for unauthorised stamp sale | Replaced with monetary penalty |
| Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 | Criminal prosecution for minor clinic deficiencies | Civil penalty up to ₹10,000 |
| Calcutta Metro Railway Act, 1985 | Criminal prosecution for smoking in metro | Civil penalty of ₹2,000 |
| Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 | Immediate non-compliance on licence expiry | 30-day grace period introduced |
| Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (S.166) | Strict deadline for accident compensation claims | Extended by up to 12 months on sufficient cause |
| Delhi Police Act, 1978 (S.102c) | Imprisonment up to 3 months for being outdoors at night | Provision abolished entirely |
| Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (S.178) | Criminal fine up to ₹500 for ticketless travel | Reclassified as civil violation (up to ₹500) |
| NDMC Act, 1994 | Criminal fine for illegal use of public water | Fixed civil penalty of ₹1,000 |
| NDMC Act, 1994 | Dual property tax methods (rateable value + unit area) | Standardised to Unit Area Method |
Ease of Doing Business Reforms
| Act | Earlier Provision | Reform Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Central Silk Board Act, 1948 | Incorrect info/failure to produce records — risk of imprisonment | Warning for first violation; monetary penalties for repeat |
| Tea Act, 1953 | False returns attracted immediate fines | Graded warning-and-penalty framework |
| Copyright Act, 1957 | False entry in Copyright Register — imprisonment up to 1 year | Imprisonment provision removed entirely |
| APEDA Act, 1985 | Procedural export offences — immediate punitive action | Warning-and-penalty framework for exporters |
| Coir Industry Act, 1953 | Export without licence under obsolete framework — fine | Provision removed entirely |
Benefits for MSMEs: Decriminalisation Reforms
Key Legislative Reforms
| Act | Earlier Provision | MSME-Friendly Reform |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Metrology Act, 2009 | Immediate penalty for record failure by MSME importers | Improvement notice for first lapse; penalty only on repetition |
| Private Security Agencies Act, 2005 | Criminal fine up to ₹25,000 for not displaying licence | Provision removed entirely |
| Delivery of Books Act | Immediate fine for failure to deposit copies | Warning mechanism introduced before penalty |
| MMDR Act, 1957 | Imprisonment up to 2 years for violations | Replaced with monetary penalty up to ₹50 lakh |
| Apprentices Act, 1961 | Direct penalty for procedural non-compliance | 3-stage system: Advisory → Warning → Monetary penalty |
Significance and Analysis
A. Constitutional and Governance Dimension
1. Reflects Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) — removal of harsh criminal provisions aligns regulation with liberty-based jurisprudence
2. Reduces burden on judiciary by converting minor offences into civil/administrative matters, thereby helping reduce pendency
3. Aligns with recommendations of the Law Commission of India on decriminalisation of minor economic offences
4. Promotes cooperative federalism — Central reforms influence State-level enforcement (e.g., municipal bodies, policing systems)
6. Strengthens quasi-judicial governance through adjudicating officers, enhancing institutional capacity
Economic Dimension
Supports India’s Ease of Doing Business reforms by reducing regulatory burden
Benefits MSMEs, which contribute:
~30% to GDP
~45% to exports
Introduces graded enforcement mechanism (Advisory → Warning → Penalty), aligning with global regulatory best practices
Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat by easing compliance for domestic industries
Eliminates obsolete legal provisions, reducing unnecessary compliance costs
Way Forward
1. Comprehensive Criminal Law Review: Extend decriminalisation to State laws using a model framework
2. Capacity Building: Train adjudicating officers for efficient, transparent, and independent functioning
3. Sunset Clauses: Mandatory review of penalty provisions every 5 years
4. Digital Compliance Infrastructure: Develop online compliance systems to minimize procedural lapses
5. Monitoring Mechanism: Establish a dedicated body to track implementation and identify gaps
6. Extension to States: Encourage States to replicate reforms for uniform regulatory environment
Conclusion
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 marks a significant transition in India’s regulatory philosophy from a punitive, compliance-driven regime to a trust-based, facilitative governance model. By decriminalising minor offences, introducing graded penalties, and strengthening quasi-judicial mechanisms, the Bill aims to reduce regulatory burden, enhance ease of doing business, and promote citizen-centric governance. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, institutional capacity, and continuous monitoring to ensure that decriminalisation does not dilute accountability. Overall, it represents a crucial step towards good governance, economic efficiency, and legal rationalisation in India
Prelims question:
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026:
1. It proposes amendments to more than 70 Central Acts.
2. It aims to convert minor criminal offences into civil penalties.
3. It introduces a graded enforcement mechanism including warnings and penalties.
4. It completely abolishes penalties for all regulatory violations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 2 and 4 only
(C) 1, 3 and 4 only
(D) All of the above
Answer: A
Q. The shift from criminalisation to civil penalties reflects a change in India’s regulatory philosophy. Discuss the key features, significance, and challenges of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 in promoting ease of doing business and good governance.
(250 words)
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