Daily News Analysis » May 2024 » Draft New Explosive Bill: 6 May 2024

Draft New Explosive Bill: 6 May 2024

The government has proposed a new Explosives Bill to replace the Explosives Act of 1884.

Why in news?

The government has proposed a new Explosives Bill to replace the Explosives Act of 1884.

Key points about the bill:

  • Objective:
  • To regulate the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives.      
  • to increase fines for violations and streamline the licensing process for explosives.
  • The Central Government will prescribe the authority competent to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses. 
  •  These tasks are currently managed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

PESO:

  • 1898: Establishment Year.
    • Under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Objective: 
  • Providing operational and technical Advice and Assistance to the Central Government, States, Local Bodies, Law Enforcement Agencies, Industry, Trade and end users of petroleum and explosive  products. 
  • Ensure public safety in the areas of manufacture, transport, storage, handling, etc. of Explosives, Petroleum. 
  • Creating safety awareness amongst the public.