Gujarat Plans to Legalize Lesser Crimes with the Jan Vishwas Bill, to Simplify Business and Administration Operations
The Gujarat government is set to table a bill during the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislative assembly, from 8 to 10 September. Named The Gujarat Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, this legislation is aimed at decriminalising certain offences to promote trust-based governance and improve ease of doing business.
The bill, authored by Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput, targets offences including unauthorised construction, public space encroachment, tax defaults, and non-removal of filth, among others. It also includes tying cattle in public areas as an offence that would attract fines and penalties instead of punitive legal action.
Speaking in Gandhinagar, state Parliamentary and Legislative Affairs Minister Rushikesh Patel made these announcements during the inauguration of various projects. He explained that the bill is intended to simplify rules and regulations, reduce the burden on courts, and rationalise the existing provisions.
The bill aims to redefine the regulatory landscape of laws under the Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business reforms. It proposes amendments to provisions in 11 existing acts, such as the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, the Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act, 1961, the Gujarat Agricultural Produce and Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 1963, and the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976.
According to the bill document, a complex set of outdated rules contributes to a trust deficit, necessitating the amendments. The bill also emphasises that the fear of imprisonment for minor offences has hindered business development and individual confidence. It intends to replace imprisonment for minor offences with fines.
The bill is part of a larger initiative to make lives and businesses easier and reduce the burden on courts. By decriminalising a number of minor offences and replacing them with monetary penalties, the bill aims to support business process improvements and enhance the ease of living for citizens.
It is expected that the proposed changes will contribute to a more trust-based and business-friendly environment in Gujarat. The monsoon session will also table amendments across 11 state acts for easier governance and business, further emphasising the state government's commitment to reform and modernisation.
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