The Rajya Sabha has taken up discussion on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. The legislation amends certain enactments for decriminalising and rationalising offences to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business. The bill will decriminalise minor offences and implement measures such as revising fines and penalties proportionate to the offence. It proposes to amend 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries. A total of 784 provisions are being proposed to be amended, out of which 717 provisions are being decriminalised to foster ease of doing business, and 67 provisions are being proposed to facilitate ease of living. The Lok Sabha had passed it yesterday.

 

Initiating the discussion, Shaktisinh Gohil of Congress said the government has brought the Bill in haste. He said, out of 79 Acts that are being amended, there are Acts which will adversely affect the people.’ Md Nadimul Haque of TMC said this Bill amends 80 central acts. He questioned why all criminal provisions have been merged into one law. He said it is undermining legislative spirit and intent.

 

Lahar Singh Siroya of the BJP said, ” The government has kept focus on all sectors, including Industries, Start-ups, MSMEs and Farmers. He said the 24-member select committee held 49 meetings and scrutinised the legislation. Mr Siroya said the Bill represents a positive reform in the regulatory framework by prioritizing proportionate penalties over punitive provisions. He took on the Opposition Congress for spreading rumours about the availability of petroleum products.