Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has passed the Odisha Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, aiming to create a more business-friendly environment in the state.
This move is in line with the central government’s Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which aim to decriminalise minor offences and promote trust-based governance.
The bill proposes to amend 16 state laws, including the Odisha Nurses and Midwives Registration Act, 1938, and the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950, to replace imprisonment with civil penalties for minor offences. The main objective is to reduce the compliance burden on citizens and businesses, promoting ease of doing business in the state.
Key Features of the Bill:
– Decriminalization of Minor Offences: Abolishes imprisonment for 6 minor offences and replaces them with civil penalties.
– Administrative Courts: Establishes administrative courts for prompt redressal of minor offences.
– Conversion of Fines to Civil Penalties: Converts fines into civil penalties to ensure compliance with the law.
– Rationalisation of Financial Penalties: Rationalises financial penalties to ensure equality and timely amendments.
The bill is expected to reduce litigation costs, promote investment, and create a trust-based governance system. Other states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Tripura, have already enacted similar bills.
The ‘Jan Vishwas Act No. 2023’ has been enacted to impose imprisonment for minor offences in proportion to civil penalties. Following this, the Government of India has enacted the ‘Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025. Some states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Tripura have already enacted their own Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025. It simplifies governance and reduces the burden of compliance. It also encourages investment and growth,and provides compliance facilities in return for non-criminal punishment for procedural irregularities by citizens.
