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Polity & Governance
Mahesh

13/12/24 15:23 PM IST

Railways Amendment Bill 2024

In News
  • Amid heated arguments between the government and opposition inside Parliament, Lok Sabha recently passed the The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Reasons for introduction of bill
  • The construction of India’s railway network began as a branch of the Public Works Department before Independence. When the network expanded, Indian Railways Act, 1890, was enacted to enable proper functioning of different railway entities.
  • Later, the railway organisation was separated from the Public Works Department and the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 was then enacted to provide the Railway Board with certain powers or functions under the Indian Railways Act, 1890.
  • While the Act of 1890 was repealed in 1989 when the Railways Act was enacted, the Railway Board Act, 1905 remained in existence, and Chairman & members of the board continued to be appointed under this law.
  • The government said that the new Bill will simplify the law by integrating the Railway Board (1905 Act) into the Railway Act. They also said that this will reduce the need to refer to two laws. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 9, 2024.
Features of the bill
  • The Bill amends Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, and inserts a new chapter IA which pertains to the Railway Board. It makes provision to provide certain powers to the Railway Board “as prescribed by the Central Government”.
  • It says that the Centre may invest the Railway Board, either absolutely or subject to any conditions, with all or any of the powers or functions of the Central Government under this Act with respect to all or any Railways.
  • Along with this, the Chairman and members of the board appointed under the 1905 Act shall be deemed to have been appointed under this Act as well. The Railway Board is already in existence, and the Bill does not propose to create any new Board or body.
  • From the point of view of passengers, the new bill is expected to enhance the functioning of the Railway Board, which may result in the efficient development of the railway network.
  • However, some MPs have raised concerns that the new legislation will affect the independent working of the Railway Board, and the Centre is keeping all powers pertaining to the board with itself by bypassing the parliament.
Source- Indian Express

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