Draft New Explosives Bill:
The government has proposed a new Explosives Bill to replace the outdated Explosives Act of 1884.
- The bill is aimed at regulating the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives.
- It also aims to increase fines for violations and streamline the licensing process for explosives such as gunpowder and nitroglycerine.
Key highlights of the bill include:
- The bill defines explosives, including substances used to produce practical or pyrotechnic effects by explosion.
- The Central Government will prescribe the authority competent to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses. Currently, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) oversees these functions.
- Violating the Act may result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.
- The Central Government can make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act.
