The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, introduced in Lok Sabha, aims to amend 79 central acts across 23 ministries.
It proposes to decriminalize 717 provisions to promote ease of doing business and amend 67 provisions for ease of living.
Key changes include a 30-day grace period for driving license expiry and state-wide vehicle registration under the Motor Vehicle Act.
The Bill also revises compensation for hit-and-run cases and distinguishes between 'fines' (imposed by courts) and 'penalties' (imposed by regulatory authorities).
Proposes amendments to 79 central acts, including the Motor Vehicle Act, to decriminalize minor offenses and streamline compliances.
Specific amendments proposed include a 30-day grace period for driving license expiry, state-wide vehicle registration, and revised compensation for hit-and-run cases. It also clarifies the distinction between 'fines' and 'penalties' for various violations.
Decriminalization refers to the process of removing criminal charges or penalties for certain actions, often replacing them with civil penalties or administrative sanctions. In the context of this Bill, it means converting offenses that previously carried imprisonment into monetary penalties. A 'fine' is typically a sum of money ordered by a court of law as punishment for an offense. A 'penalty,' on the other hand, can be imposed by a regulatory authority or administrative body for non-compliance with rules or regulations, often without requiring a court proceeding. This distinction is crucial for reducing judicial workload and enabling quicker resolution of minor infractions.
Simple Analogy: Imagine getting a parking ticket. If it's a 'fine,' a judge might decide the amount. If it's a 'penalty,' the traffic department can issue it directly, like a fixed charge for a rule violation, without needing a court hearing.
The Bill's focus on decriminalization directly contributes to improving India's ranking by reducing compliance burdens and legal risks for businesses.
By shifting minor offenses from criminal courts to administrative penalties, the Bill aims to reduce the caseload on the judiciary, allowing courts to focus on more serious crimes.
The Bill promotes a trust-based governance model, reducing the scope for arbitrary action and fostering a more citizen-friendly administration.
Understanding how a Bill becomes an Act, including its introduction, debate, and passage in Parliament, is essential for this topic.
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Bills & Acts, Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors. Focus on conceptual understanding of decriminalization, ease of doing business/living, and legislative procedures.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, important Bills and Acts, government initiatives. Factual questions on the number of acts/provisions, specific changes in Motor Vehicle Act.
General Awareness: Government schemes, economic reforms, legal changes impacting business. Focus on the 'ease of doing business' aspect and key provisions.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, current affairs related to government policies. Factual questions on the Bill's purpose or key changes.
General Awareness: Current events, Indian Polity. Factual understanding of major legislative reforms.
In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?
Answer: 1st Amendment
Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent. 3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: 2 and 3 only
The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Bills and Acts are regularly featured in all competitive exams, especially those related to governance, economy, and social welfare. Decriminalization and ease of doing business are recurring themes.
Removing criminal charges for an act, often replacing them with civil or administrative penalties.
The simplicity of regulations and procedures for starting and operating a business.
The simplicity and convenience of daily life for citizens, often impacted by government regulations and services.
An amendment made to an existing law (statute) passed by the legislature, as opposed to a Constitutional Amendment.