India
Transformative bills proposed by the Indian government to boost economic growth and job creation | India News – Times of India
New Delhi: The government has introduced a series of transformative bills in the ongoing winter session of Parliament, focusing on economic growth, modernization, job creation and sustainability. According to government sources, these legislative proposals cover oil fields, shipping, railways, aviation and disaster management. It’s not just updates; they seek a strategic overhaul to align India with global standards and promote development.
For example, the Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Bill, 2024, marks a significant shift from colonial practices by modernizing terminology and opening up unconventional hydrocarbon exploration. Similarly, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, along with the Cargo Bill, 2024, is designed to streamline maritime laws, making them more efficient and in line with international standards.
The Merchant Shipping Bill removes criminal penalties for minor violations, signaling a move toward a less punitive, more supportive regulatory framework, which should boost the maritime sector and expand India’s global trading capabilities.
“This reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to free India from outdated colonial laws and promote self-reliance and innovation in the energy sectors,” a senior government official said. Although the first week of the winter session has not seen any cases due to opposition protests, government sources are optimistic of a smoother conduct of the proceedings from next week.
He emphasized that these bills were more than changes to the law; they were “blueprint for India’s future”. “They aim to erase the colonial legacy, strengthen crucial sectors for economic growth, boost employment and promise sustainable practices,” he said.
The Railways (Amendment) Act, 2024 is expected to bring about significant transformation in the sector by simplifying legal structures and increasing operational efficiency, which could lead to employment in infrastructure and maintenance. Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, complements this by reducing logistics costs, making Indian exports more competitive and generating jobs in shipping and allied sectors.
Disaster Management (Amendment) The bill introduces authorities for the management of urban disasters, focusing on local response systems, increasing safety and creating jobs in hazard monitoring and emergency services.
Government sources said that Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (Aircraft Bill) aims to establish India as an aerospace hub. “By centralizing aviation management, this bill is expected to promote manufacturing, maintenance and innovation, in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The emphasis on international treaties in both the shipping and aviation sectors positions India as a progressive player in global trade,” the official said.
He pointed to environmental considerations in these legislative efforts, with the Oilfields Bill encouraging green energy projects, and the Merchant Shipping Bill including provisions for ship recycling and pollution prevention. “This dual focus on economic and environmental health is crucial in tackling climate change,” he added.
An important aspect of these laws is the push for decriminalization, especially in the maritime sector, with the aim of reducing the regulatory burden on companies. “By replacing punitive measures with fines and simplifying administrative processes, these laws aim to create a more business-friendly environment, in line with global standards for ease of doing business,” the official said.
