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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, seeks to focus on reform rather than punishment. The main objective of this bill, according to Goyal, is to improve ease of doing business and remove unnecessary provisions. His remarks come days after Parliament cleared the Bill in a significant step towards ensuring a trust-based governance framework. The legislation seeks to decriminalise minor offences and rationalise penalties across several central laws. It amends 784 provisions from 79 Acts administered by 23 ministries, out of which, 717 provisions replace imprisonment with civil penalties like fines to promote ease of doing business. The remaining 67 provisions are amended to enhance ease of living for ordinary citizens.
All in all, the Jan Vishwas Bill reforms aim to simplify more than 1,000 offences by eliminating outdated or minor criminal provisions and by reducing unnecessary litigation and compliance burdens.
Twelve states have already implemented laws on the lines of the Jan Vishwas framework, said Goyal. 
He also noted that people associated with the country's handloom sector will benefit from the legislation.
<blockquote>A new era of trust-based governance!
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JanVishwasBill2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JanVishwasBill2026</a> truly is a milestone in the PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> ji-led Government's efforts to boost Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.
The reduced compliance burden is set to benefit citizens, MSMEs, small businesses &amp;… <a href="https://t.co/TcGp7YIcZ0">pic.twitter.com/TcGp7YIcZ0</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/2039968981231317342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>A number of penalties defined under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, are now revised under the Jan Vishwas law. For instance, the imprisonment of six months for producing items reserved for handlooms has been halved and the fine increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000-25,000 per loom. Also, the provision of up to three months of jail for failure to furnish information, to provide false data or damage records is now removed. 
The central government has maintained that the legislation replaces a range of colonial-era laws. 
Earlier this week, Goyal said that the Jan Vishwas Bill highlights the trust and belief that the Narendra Modi government has in the people. At a time when cases are registered for the smallest reasons, this Bill brings provisions to provide justice rather than punishment, according to Goyal.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in simplifying rules and bringing Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living... People will not have to go to courts for the smallest of things," said Goyal.
<h2>Ease of doing business and ease of living</h2>
The themes of 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living' have been at the core of the Modi government's broader agenda aimed at enhancing regulatory simplification, digitisation, compliance‑reduction and citizen welfare. It has positioned the Jan Vishwas law as a major boost towards these goals, in tandem with its broader visions of Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat 2047 (developed India 2047).   
The trust‑based governance model powering the Bill -- reducing punitive provisions while simplifying norms -- serves as the backbone for its ambition to transform India into a developed, globally competitive, socially inclusive nation.
Steps aimed at enhancing ease of living
Here's a summary of some of the key provisions under Jan Vishwas:  
 
<ul>
<li>Illegal Use of Public Water (NDMC Act, 1994 - Section 295)
<ul>
<li>Criminal fine replaced with civil penalty of Rs 1,000</li>
<li>Removes criminal proceedings for minor violations</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Driving Licence Grace Period (Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)
<ul>
<li>30-day validity after expiry introduced</li>
<li>Protects drivers from immediate penalties</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NDMC Property Tax Reform (NDMC Act, 1994)
<ul>
<li>Shift to uniform Unit Area Method</li>
<li>Ends dual system, improves transparency</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Accident Compensation Window (Motor Vehicles Act, Section 166)
<ul>
<li>Extra 12 months allowed for filing claims</li>
<li>Provides relief in delayed cases</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Night Presence No Longer an Offence (Delhi Police Act, 1978)
<ul>
<li>Provision removed entirely</li>
<li>Ends criminalisation based on suspicion</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ticket Violations Decriminalised (Motor Vehicles Act, Section 178)
<ul>
<li>Criminal fines replaced with civil penalties up to Rs 500</li>
<li>Simplifies enforcement for minor offences</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject: 
What is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026? 
It is a legislation aimed at:
Decriminalising minor procedural offences under central laws
Replacing punitive provisions such as imprisonment with civil penalties, fines or other non‑criminal measures.
What is the government's vision behind this law?
The Modi government has positioned it as a step towards trust‑based governance that reduces fear of prosecution for minor compliance lapses and promotes ease of doing business and ease of living.
It supports a trust-based governance model aligned with ease of doing business, ease of living, and long-term goals like Viksit Bharat 2047.
What are 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living'?
Both are policy‑oriented concepts that determine how simple or difficult it is to start, operate and expand a business (ease of doing business) and how comfortable, convenient and secure daily life feels for common citizens (ease of living).
What is the main objective of the Bill?
The main objective of the Bill is reform rather than punishment; it seeks to simplify compliance, rationalise penalties and remove unnecessary legal provisions.
How many laws and provisions does it cover?
It amends 784 provisions across 79 Acts administered by 23 ministries.
How many offences does it decriminalise?
A total of 717 provisions replace imprisonment with fines or civil penalties, while 67 aim to improve ease of living.
Are states adopting similar reforms?
Yes. According to the trade minister, 12 states have already implemented laws on similar lines.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-middle-east-crisis-broader-consensus-reached-among-countries-for-de-escalation-says-piyush-goyal-393075">India Weathers Middle Eastern Storm: LPG, auto fuels stable, shot in the arm for SEZ—Key developments and what consumers should do</a>

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, seeks to focus on reform rather than punishment. The main objective of this bill, according to Goyal, is to improve ease of doing business and remove unnecessary provisions. His remarks come days after Parliament cleared the Bill in a significant step towards ensuring a trust-based governance framework. The legislation seeks to decriminalise minor offences and rationalise penalties across several central laws. It amends 784 provisions from 79 Acts administered by 23 ministries, out of which, 717 provisions replace imprisonment with civil penalties like fines to promote ease of doing business. The remaining 67 provisions are amended to enhance ease of living for ordinary citizens.All in all, the Jan Vishwas Bill reforms aim to simplify more than 1,000 offences by eliminating outdated or minor criminal provisions and by reducing unnecessary litigation and compliance burdens.Twelve states have already implemented laws on the lines of the Jan Vishwas framework, said Goyal. He also noted that people associated with the country's handloom sector will benefit from the legislation.A new era of trust-based governance!The #JanVishwasBill2026 truly is a milestone in the PM @NarendraModi ji-led Government's efforts to boost Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.The reduced compliance burden is set to benefit citizens, MSMEs, small businesses &amp;… pic.twitter.com/TcGp7YIcZ0— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 3, 2026A number of penalties defined under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, are now revised under the Jan Vishwas law. For instance, the imprisonment of six months for producing items reserved for handlooms has been halved and the fine increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000-25,000 per loom. Also, the provision of up to three months of jail for failure to furnish information, to provide false data or damage records is now removed. The central government has maintained that the legislation replaces a range of colonial-era laws. Earlier this week, Goyal said that the Jan Vishwas Bill highlights the trust and belief that the Narendra Modi government has in the people. At a time when cases are registered for the smallest reasons, this Bill brings provisions to provide justice rather than punishment, according to Goyal."Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in simplifying rules and bringing Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living... People will not have to go to courts for the smallest of things," said Goyal.Ease of doing business and ease of livingThe themes of 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living' have been at the core of the Modi government's broader agenda aimed at enhancing regulatory simplification, digitisation, compliance‑reduction and citizen welfare. It has positioned the Jan Vishwas law as a major boost towards these goals, in tandem with its broader visions of Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat 2047 (developed India 2047).   The trust‑based governance model powering the Bill -- reducing punitive provisions while simplifying norms -- serves as the backbone for its ambition to transform India into a developed, globally competitive, socially inclusive nation.Steps aimed at enhancing ease of livingHere's a summary of some of the key provisions under Jan Vishwas:  Illegal Use of Public Water (NDMC Act, 1994 - Section 295)Criminal fine replaced with civil penalty of Rs 1,000Removes criminal proceedings for minor violationsDriving Licence Grace Period (Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)30-day validity after expiry introducedProtects drivers from immediate penaltiesNDMC Property Tax Reform (NDMC Act, 1994)Shift to uniform Unit Area MethodEnds dual system, improves transparencyAccident Compensation Window (Motor Vehicles Act, Section 166)Extra 12 months allowed for filing claimsProvides relief in delayed casesNight Presence No Longer an Offence (Delhi Police Act, 1978)Provision removed entirelyEnds criminalisation based on suspicionTicket Violations Decriminalised (Motor Vehicles Act, Section 178)Criminal fines replaced with civil penalties up to Rs 500Simplifies enforcement for minor offences Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject: What is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026?It is a legislation aimed at:Decriminalising minor procedural offences under central lawsReplacing punitive provisions such as imprisonment with civil penalties, fines or other non‑criminal measures.What is the government's vision behind this law?The Modi government has positioned it as a step towards trust‑based governance that reduces fear of prosecution for minor compliance lapses and promotes ease of doing business and ease of living.It supports a trust-based governance model aligned with ease of doing business, ease of living, and long-term goals like Viksit Bharat 2047.What are 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living'?Both are policy‑oriented concepts that determine how simple or difficult it is to start, operate and expand a business (ease of doing business) and how comfortable, convenient and secure daily life feels for common citizens (ease of living).What is the main objective of the Bill?The main objective of the Bill is reform rather than punishment; it seeks to simplify compliance, rationalise penalties and remove unnecessary legal provisions.How many laws and provisions does it cover?It amends 784 provisions across 79 Acts administered by 23 ministries.How many offences does it decriminalise?A total of 717 provisions replace imprisonment with fines or civil penalties, while 67 aim to improve ease of living.Are states adopting similar reforms?Yes. According to the trade minister, 12 states have already implemented laws on similar lines.ALSO READ: India Weathers Middle Eastern Storm: LPG, auto fuels stable, shot in the arm for SEZ—Key developments and what consumers should do

From Punishment to Reform: Piyush Goyal explains why Jan Vishwas law matters for businesses and citizens

news-piyush-goyal-says-jan-vishwas-amendment-of-provisions-bill-2026-focuses-on-reform-not-punishment-piyush-goyal-393111

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, seeks to focus on reform rather than punishment. The main objective of this bill, according to Goyal, is to improve ease of doing business and remove unnecessary provisions. His remarks come days after Parliament cleared the Bill in a significant step towards ensuring a trust-based governance framework. The legislation seeks to decriminalise minor offences and rationalise penalties across several central laws. It amends 784 provisions from 79 Acts administered by 23 ministries, out of which, 717 provisions replace imprisonment with civil penalties like fines to promote ease of doing business. The remaining 67 provisions are amended to enhance ease of living for ordinary citizens. All in all, the Jan Vishwas Bill reforms aim to simplify more than 1,000 offences by eliminating outdated or minor criminal provisions and by reducing unnecessary litigation and compliance burdens. Twelve states have already implemented laws on the lines of the Jan Vishwas framework, said Goyal.  He also noted that people associated with the countrys handloom sector will benefit from the legislation. A new era of trust-based governance! The #JanVishwasBill2026 truly is a milestone in the PM @NarendraModi ji-led Governments efforts to boost Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. The reduced compliance burden is set to benefit citizens, MSMEs, small businesses … pic.twitter.com/TcGp7YIcZ0 — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 3, 2026 A number of penalties defined under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, are now revised under the Jan Vishwas law. For instance, the imprisonment of six months for producing items reserved for handlooms has been halved and the fine increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000-25,000 per loom. Also, the provision of up to three months of jail for failure to furnish information, to provide false data or damage records is now removed.  The central government has maintained that the legislation replaces a range of colonial-era laws.  Earlier this week, Goyal said that the Jan Vishwas Bill highlights the trust and belief that the Narendra Modi government has in the people. At a time when cases are registered for the smallest reasons, this Bill brings provisions to provide justice rather than punishment, according to Goyal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in simplifying rules and bringing Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living... People will not have to go to courts for the smallest of things, said Goyal. Ease of doing business and ease of living The themes of ease of doing business and ease of living have been at the core of the Modi governments broader agenda aimed at enhancing regulatory simplification, digitisation, compliance‑reduction and citizen welfare. It has positioned the Jan Vishwas law as a major boost towards these goals, in tandem with its broader visions of Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat 2047 (developed India 2047).    The trust‑based governance model powering the Bill -- reducing punitive provisions while simplifying norms -- serves as the backbone for its ambition to transform India into a developed, globally competitive, socially inclusive nation. Steps aimed at enhancing ease of living Heres a summary of some of the key provisions under Jan Vishwas:    Illegal Use of Public Water (NDMC Act, 1994 - Section 295) Criminal fine replaced with civil penalty of Rs 1,000 Removes criminal proceedings for minor violations Driving Licence Grace Period (Motor Vehicles Act, 1988) 30-day validity after expiry introduced Protects drivers from immediate penalties NDMC Property Tax Reform (NDMC Act, 1994) Shift to uniform Unit Area Method Ends dual system, improves transparency Accident Compensation Window (Motor Vehicles Act, Section 166) Extra 12 months allowed for filing claims Provides relief in delayed cases Night Presence No Longer an Offence (Delhi Police Act, 1978) Provision removed entirely Ends criminalisation based on suspicion Ticket Violations Decriminalised (Motor Vehicles Act, Section 178) Criminal fines replaced with civil penalties up to Rs 500 Simplifies enforcement for minor offences   Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:  What is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026? It is a legislation aimed at: Decriminalising minor procedural offences under central laws Replacing punitive provisions such as imprisonment with civil penalties, fines or other non‑criminal measures. What is the governments vision behind this law? The Modi government has positioned it as a step towards trust‑based governance that reduces fear of prosecution for minor compliance lapses and promotes ease of doing business and ease of living. It supports a trust-based governance model aligned with ease of doing business, ease of living, and long-term goals like Viksit Bharat 2047. What are ease of doing business and ease of living? Both are policy‑oriented concepts that determine how simple or difficult it is to start, operate and expand a business (ease of doing business) and how comfortable, convenient and secure daily life feels for common citizens (ease of living). What is the main objective of the Bill? The main objective of the Bill is reform rather than punishment; it seeks to simplify compliance, rationalise penalties and remove unnecessary legal provisions. How many laws and provisions does it cover? It amends 784 provisions across 79 Acts administered by 23 ministries. How many offences does it decriminalise? A total of 717 provisions replace imprisonment with fines or civil penalties, while 67 aim to improve ease of living. Are states adopting similar reforms? Yes. According to the trade minister, 12 states have already implemented laws on similar lines. ALSO READ: India Weathers Middle Eastern Storm: LPG, auto fuels stable, shot in the arm for SEZ—Key developments and what consumers should do