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Railways (Amendment) Bill Passed to Streamline Governance

Why in the news?

The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, repealing the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, to integrate its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989, aiming to simplify laws and enhance the Railway Board’s efficiency.

Background and Purpose of the Bill:

• The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed on December 11, repeals the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, integrating its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989.
• The bill aims to simplify laws governing the Railway Board by unifying them under a single Act.
• Historically, the Railway Board was established under the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, after separating from the Public Works Department.

Provisions of the Bill:

• Amends Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, and introduces Chapter 1A, detailing the Railway Board’s functions.
• The Central Government may delegate powers and functions to the Railway Board, either fully or conditionally.
• Existing Chairman and Board members, appointed under the 1905 Act, will be deemed as appointed under the revised Act.
• The bill focuses on enhancing the Railway Board’s efficiency and supporting network development.

Debate and Concerns:

• While many MPs supported the bill, some criticized the lack of deliberation and omission of expert recommendations.
• BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi praised the bill for modernizing and simplifying railways.
• AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted the absence of an independent regulator, as recommended by committees since 2015.
• Concerns were raised about diversity, questioning representation of SCs, STs, OBCs, and women on the Railway Board.
• The bill does not propose the creation of new bodies but aims to streamline governance.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times