What Does the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 Entail?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Cabinet's recent approval of the Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 marks a significant shift in governance by decriminalising minor regulatory offences. This reform enhances compliance across 16 state Acts and aims to foster a more business-friendly environment in Odisha, positioning it for future growth.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 decriminalises minor regulatory offences.
- Streamlines compliance across 16 state Acts.
- Replaces imprisonment with graded civil penalties.
- Aims to improve the Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.
- Involves reform in various sectors including municipal governance, gambling, and labour welfare.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Odisha Cabinet has recently given its approval to several significant proposals, including the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025. This ordinance is designed to decriminalise minor regulatory offences and enhance compliance across 16 state Acts.
During a meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the cabinet sanctioned 15 proposals from ten departments. This initiative marks a pivotal move towards a trust-based governance model, aiming to eliminate unnecessary legal burdens associated with minor regulatory breaches.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Government of Odisha confirmed the approval of the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025, describing it as a transformative legal reform. This ordinance seeks to decriminalise minor and procedural regulatory offences, adjust penalties, and remove redundant compliance requirements from certain state legislations.
The ordinance is in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 introduced by the Government of India, which promotes replacing criminal penalties for less severe violations with appropriate civil sanctions.
This reform effort involves nine departments and a thorough examination of 16 outdated state acts. A key aspect of the ordinance is that it substitutes imprisonment and criminal fines for minor offences with a system of graded civil penalties.
Furthermore, the ordinance aims to facilitate quicker resolutions by allowing authorised officials to handle inquiries and appeals, thereby reducing both litigation costs and delays. It addresses laws regarding municipal governance, gambling, labour welfare, fire safety, excise, electricity duty, and cooperative societies, among others.
The acts undergoing reform due to this ordinance include the Odisha Nurses and Midwives Registration Act, 1938, Odisha Municipal Act, 1950, Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955, Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1956, Odisha Town Planning and Improvement Trust Act, 1956, and Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956.
These reforms collectively aim to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living (EoL), thereby boosting investor confidence and making Odisha a more accessible, citizen-centric, and growth-oriented state. As Odisha progresses towards its vision of Viksit Odisha, this ordinance serves as a testament to the seamless integration of good governance, user-friendly laws, and enhanced investor trust, all of which are essential for economic growth, social welfare, and sustainable development.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the transformative impact of the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025. This reform not only simplifies compliance for businesses but also reflects a broader trend towards more accessible governance. By aligning with national standards, Odisha positions itself as a leader in fostering economic growth while prioritizing social welfare.
NationPress
10/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025?
The Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 aims to decriminalise minor regulatory offences and streamline compliance across 16 state Acts, thereby reducing unnecessary legal burdens.
Which departments are involved in the reform?
The reform initiative involves nine departments that have worked together to review and update 16 outdated state acts.
How does the ordinance affect penalties for minor offences?
The ordinance replaces imprisonment and criminal fines for minor offences with graded civil penalties, making the legal framework more proportional.
What are the key benefits of this ordinance?
The ordinance enhances the Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, strengthens investor confidence, and promotes sustainable development in Odisha.
How does this ordinance align with national policies?
The ordinance is in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 of the Government of India, which advocates for civil sanctions instead of criminal penalties for less serious defaults.
