n a landmark move, the ‘Jan Vishwas Bill’ has been passed in Parliament, aiming to transform the lives of ordinary citizens. Minister Piyush Goyal hailed this step as a move towards ‘Ram Rajya,’ emphasizing that it will significantly enhance the ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business.’

The Bill proposes to amend 80 Central Acts, decriminalizing nearly 1,000 minor offenses. Instead of imprisonment, many violations will now only attract fines or simple warnings.

Key Highlights of the Bill:

• Driving License: Licenses will remain valid for 30 days post-expiry. Renewal validity will start from the date of renewal.
• National Highways: Obstructions on highways will no longer lead to jail time; only civil penalties will apply.
• Electricity & Cosmetics: Imprisonment clauses for violating electricity norms or cosmetic production rules have been scrapped in favor of monetary fines.
• Civil Relief: Delays in reporting births/deaths or accidental false fire alarms are no longer treated as criminal offenses.

The Bill also introduces a “first-time offender” clause, offering counseling or warnings for initial lapses. To maintain the deterrent effect, penalties will see a 10% hike every three years.