The Jan Vishwas Bill 2026, recently passed by Parliament, marks a significant step towards trust-based governance by decriminalising minor offences and fostering a more business-friendly environment in India.
Key Points
- The Jan Vishwas Bill 2026 decriminalises over 1,000 crimes by amending 784 provisions in 79 central laws.
- The bill aims to simplify laws, reduce compliance burdens, and eliminate the fear of criminal action for minor errors, fostering trust-based governance.
- By replacing criminal penalties with rationalised fines, the bill seeks to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment to India.
- The legislation is designed to benefit citizens, MSMEs, and businesses by ensuring minor defaults do not result in criminal offences.
Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi on Friday described the passage of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, as "a new era of trust-based governance".
The Parliament on Thursday passed the Bill to amend 784 provisions in 79 central laws for decriminalising and rationalising minor offences to further improve the business environment and check harassment of people.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 1,000 crimes have been decriminalised under the Jan Vishwas Bill 2026, and amendments have been made to 784 provisions in 79 Central Acts," Devi took to X.
She said the initiative would simplify laws, reduce the burden of compliance and end the fear of criminal action over minor errors.
"Through trust-based governance, ease of doing business and ease of living gain new momentum with no more jail for small mistakes," she added.
Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said the Bill is a landmark reform, strengthening ease of doing business and ease of living.
"By replacing criminal penalties with rationalised fines, PM Modi has introduced a fair and proportionate compliance framework," Thakur posted on X.
"The Bill reflects trust-based governance, ensuring minor defaults do not become criminal offences, benefiting citizens, MSMEs, and businesses while making India a more attractive investment destination," she added.
Meanwhile, Modi on Thursday described Parliament's passage of the Bill as a big boost to ease of living and ease of doing business in the country.
He said it is a matter of "immense delight" that Parliament has passed the Bill.
"This Bill strengthens a trust-based framework that empowers our citizens. It marks the end of rules and regulations that are outdated," the prime minister posted on X.
He added that the Bill also ensures speedy disposal of cases and reduces the litigation burden with decriminalisation.
"What is also noteworthy is the consultative approach with which this Bill was drafted," he said, complimenting all those who shared their insights for drafting the Bill and supported it in the House.
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