Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Lok Sabha’s passage of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, calling it a “game-changer” for India’s Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. The bill, which amends 42 central laws, decriminalizes minor offenses across 26 sectors like environment, labor, and taxation, replacing criminal penalties with civil fines in many cases. “This reform cuts red tape and empowers citizens and businesses,” PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter). “It aligns with our vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, fostering trust and growth.” The legislation builds on the original 2023 Jan Vishwas Act, which covered 183 provisions. This amendment expands it further, rationalizing penalties for 102 offenses and introducing monetary fines up to ₹50 lakh, depending on violation severity.
Key data highlights its impact: India’s Ease of Doing Business rank jumped from 142nd in 2014 to 63rd in 2020 (World Bank). Post-2023 Act, compliance costs dropped 25-40% in targeted sectors, per government estimates. The new bill targets small businesses—90% of India’s 6.3 crore MSMEs—by reducing jail risks for technical lapses, potentially unlocking ₹1.5 lakh crore in investments annually (NITI Aayog projections).
Experts welcome the move. “It shifts from ‘punish first’ to ‘enable first,’ boosting GDP growth by 0.5-1% yearly,” said economist Arvind Panagariya. However, critics like Congress MP Manish Tewari argue it weakens enforcement in pollution cases.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What does the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill do?
It amends 42 laws to decriminalize 102 minor offenses, replacing jail terms with fines up to ₹50 lakh in sectors like labor and environment, easing compliance for businesses.
2. How does it improve Ease of Doing Business?
By cutting criminal penalties for technical violations, it reduces fear of prosecution for 90% MSMEs, potentially saving 25-40% in compliance costs and attracting ₹1.5 lakh crore investments yearly.
3. What’s PM Modi’s view on the bill?
PM Modi calls it a “game-changer” for Viksit Bharat, empowering citizens and businesses by slashing red tape and building trust through simpler regulations.
(Image Source- Asianet Newsable)