Daily Current Affairs : 12-December-2024
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to modernize the legal structure governing Indian Railways by revising and updating the old laws. The Bill brings together provisions from the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989. This move is part of a larger effort to streamline the management and operations of the Indian Railways and improve its efficiency in serving the growing demands of the nation.
Purpose of the Bill
The main purpose of this amendment is to simplify the legal framework by:
- Repealing the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, which was introduced during the colonial era.
- Integrating its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989, which is the current law governing railways.
This combination aims to make the operations of the Indian Railways more efficient and relevant to modern needs. The changes are also in line with recommendations from committees such as the Sreedharan Committee (2014) and the Restructuring Railways Committee (2015), which called for an overhaul of the railway management structure.
Key Features of the Bill
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduces several key changes to the governance and structure of Indian Railways:
- Statutory Backing to the Railway Board: The Bill gives legal authority to the Railway Board, ensuring it has the necessary power to make decisions.
- Flexibility in Governance: The central government is empowered to decide the number of members on the Railway Board, their qualifications, and their terms of service.
- Independent Regulator: An independent body will be established to regulate tariffs, ensure safety, and monitor the involvement of private players in the rail sector.
Operational Improvements
The Bill also focuses on improving the operations of Indian Railways:
- Decentralization of Decision-Making: The Bill allows greater autonomy for railway zones, giving them more power to make decisions at the regional level.
- Faster Approvals: The Bill aims to speed up the approval processes for railway infrastructure projects and train services, especially in underserved regions. This would help in better connectivity and service delivery across the country.
Historical Context
The Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 was originally enacted to separate the administration of the railways from the Public Works Department. Over time, this framework became outdated, prompting the need for reform. The incorporation of this Act’s provisions into the Railways Act, 1989 aligns with the goals of modernizing the Indian Railways and making it more efficient, safe, and responsive to the demands of the public.
Important Points:
- Purpose of the Bill:
- Repeals the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905.
- Integrates its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the legal framework.
- Key Features:
- Grants statutory backing to the Railway Board, giving it legal authority.
- Empowers the central government to determine the number, qualifications, and terms of Railway Board members.
- Establishes an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, safety, and private sector involvement.
- Operational Improvements:
- Decentralizes decision-making to individual railway zones for increased autonomy.
- Aims to speed up approvals for infrastructure and train services, benefiting underserved regions.
- Historical Context:
- The Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 was created to separate railways from the Public Works Department.
- The Bill’s provisions align with recommendations from the Sreedharan Committee (2014) and the Restructuring Railways Committee (2015).
- Overall Goal:
- Modernize and streamline the management of Indian Railways to improve efficiency, safety, and service delivery across the country.
Why In News
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing Indian Railways by incorporating the provisions of the colonial-era Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989, creating a more cohesive and efficient governance structure that reflects the needs of contemporary India. This amendment also seeks to align the railway sector with global standards, fostering improved management, better service delivery, and enhanced safety across the country.
MCQs about The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024
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What is the primary purpose of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
A. To create a new railway network in India
B. To modernize and simplify the legal framework governing Indian Railways
C. To privatize the Indian Railways completely
D. To increase the number of railway stations in the country
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Which of the following is a key feature of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
A. The introduction of a new railway track between Delhi and Mumbai
B. Establishment of an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, safety, and private sector participation
C. Complete privatization of railway services
D. Construction of new railway stations across the country
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What does the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 propose regarding decision-making in Indian Railways?
A. Decision-making will be centralized in the Railway Ministry
B. Decision-making will be decentralized to individual railway zones for greater autonomy
C. All decisions will be made by the Prime Minister’s Office
D. All decisions will be made by the newly created independent regulator
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Which Act is being repealed and incorporated into the Railways Act, 1989 under the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
A. Indian Railway Act, 1870
B. Indian Railway Board Act, 1905
C. Indian Railways Privatization Act, 2000
D. Indian Railway Management Act, 1995
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