The Government of India is working on the Jan Vishwas 2.0 bill to bring further changes to the country’s business laws. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is focusing on 100 laws and rules from various government departments to create a better business environment in the country.
This effort is part of the government’s first 100-day priority area. The bill is designed to build on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which aimed to decriminalise minor offences across 42 Central Acts. The primary aim of this initiative is to reduce the burden of criminal penalties for minor technical lapses, thus promoting ease of doing business in the country.
What’s new with Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0?
Jan Vishwas 2.0 seeks to build on this foundation by addressing outdated provisions that no longer align with the current technological and business environment. The changes aim to reduce unnecessary legal hurdles, save time and costs for the government and judiciary, and foster a more conducive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs. By decriminalising minor offences, the bill intends to alleviate the fear of criminal penalties, promoting trust among businesses and citizens.
The proposed amendments will focus on streamlining legal processes, easing the burden on the judiciary, and ensuring penalties are proportionate to the severity of offences. Serious violations will continue to face stringent punishments. This step is part of a broader effort to align India’s regulatory framework with global business standards, boost investor confidence, and facilitate smoother business operations.
What is Jan Vishwas Bill?
The Jan Vishwas Bill passed in 2023, aimed to decriminalise minor offences under 42 Central Acts. It eliminated 183 criminal provisions across 19 Ministries and Departments, replacing them with civil penalties. This reform focuses on reducing the burden on businesses by addressing outdated provisions that hinder business operations. The Act was passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in 2023 and received presidential assent in August 2023. It is part of the government’s broader effort to streamline legal processes, reduce judicial backlogs, and make India’s business environment more attractive to investors.
| Sl. No. | Name of the Acts | Name of Ministries / Departments |
| 1 | The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 | D/o Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| 2 | The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972 | D/o Commerce |
| 3 | The Rubber Act, 1947 | D/o Commerce |
| 4 | The Tea Act, 1953 | D/o Commerce |
| 5 | The Spices Board Act, 1986 | D/o Commerce |
| 6 | The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 | D/o Consumer Affairs |
| 7 | The Cantonments Act 2006 | D/o Defence |
| 8 | The Government Securities Act, 2006 | D/o Economic Affairs |
| 9 | The High Denomination Banknotes (Demonetization) Act, 1978 | D/o Economic Affairs |
| 10 | The Public Debt Act, 1944 | D/o Economic Affairs |
| 11 | The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 | M/o Electronics and Information Technology |
| 12 | The Information Technology Act, 2000 | M/o Electronics and Information Technology |
| 13 | The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 | M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| 14 | The Environment Protection Act, 1986 | M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| 15 | The Indian Forest Act, 1927 | M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| 16 | The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 | M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| 17 | The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961 | D/o Financial Services |
| 18 | The Factoring Regulation Act, 2011 | D/o Financial Services |
| 19 | The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981 | D/o Financial Services |
| 20 | The National Housing Bank Act, 1987 | D/o Financial Services |
| 21 | The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 | D/o Financial Services |
| 22 | The Food Corporations Act, 1964 | D/o Food & Public Distribution |
| 23 | The Warehousing Corporation Act, 1962 | D/o Food & Public Distribution |
| 24 | The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 | D/o Health & Family Welfare |
| 25 | The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 | D/o Health & Family Welfare |
| 26 | The Pharmacy Act, 1948 | D/o Health & Family Welfare |
| 27 | The Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002 | M/o Housing & Urban Affairs |
| 28 | The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 | M/o Information & Broadcasting |
| 29 | The Cinematography Act, 1952 | M/o Information & Broadcasting |
| 30 | The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 | M/o Information & Broadcasting |
| 31 | The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 | M/o Ports, Shipping & Waterways |
| 32 | The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 | D/o Posts |
| 33 | The Boilers Act, 1923 | Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade |
| 34 | The Copyright Act, 1957 | Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade |
| 35 | The Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999 | Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade |
| 36 | The Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 | Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade |
| 37 | The Patents Act, 1970 | Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade |
| 38 | The Trade Marks Act, 1999 | Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade |
| 39 | The Railways Act, 1989 | M/o Railways |
| 40 | The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 | M/o Road Transport & Highways |
| 41 | The Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 | D/o Revenue |
| 42 | The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 | M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation |
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