Draft Explosive Bill (2024)

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Draft Explosive Bill (2024)

Draft Explosive Bill (2024)

News: The \'Draft Explosives Bill (2024)\' has been released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for public consultation.

Background:

• The colonial era ‘Explosives Act, 1884’ is set to be replaced by the Bill, which aims to regulate the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives.
• Rash Bihari Bose, a key member of the Gwadar Party, was charged under this Act during colonial times.

Highlights:

Aspect
Definition of Explosive	Explosive is defined as gunpowder, nitroglycerine, nitroglycol, guncotton, or any other substance used for explosion.
Licensing Authority	The licensing authority is the Chief Controller of Explosives or any other prescribed authority
Authority for Licensing	The Central Government will prescribe the competent authority for granting, suspending, or revoking licenses.
Current Responsible Authority	Currently, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) is responsible for such matters.
Punishment for Contravention	Contravention such as manufacturing, import, or export of explosives may lead to imprisonment up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.
Power of Central Government	The Central Government has the power to make rules to enforce the provisions of this Act.

Petroleum and explosive safety Organization:

• Established in 1898, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) was formerly known as the Department of Explosives.
• Nodal Ministry: PESO operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Mandate: PESO serves as the nodal agency responsible for regulating the safety of hazardous substances, including explosives, compressed gas, and petroleum.
• Responsibilities: PESO administers the responsibilities delegated under the Explosives Act of 1884, the Petroleum Act of 1934, and the respective rules and regulations derived from these acts.