Has Odisha Cabinet Approved the Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 to Decriminalize Minor Regulatory Offences?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking move, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025, a significant legal reform aimed at decriminalizing minor regulatory offences. This initiative will streamline compliance across 16 state Acts, thereby fostering a more business-friendly environment and enhancing citizen welfare. Discover how these changes could reshape governance in Odisha!
Key Takeaways
- The Jan Vishwas Ordinance aims to decriminalize minor regulatory offences.
- It streamlines compliance processes across 16 state Acts.
- Graded civil penalties replace imprisonment for minor infractions.
- Faster dispute resolution is facilitated by authorized officials.
- The reform enhances the Ease of Doing Business and citizen welfare.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) — The Odisha Cabinet has taken significant steps by endorsing the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025. This ordinance is designed to decriminalize minor regulatory infractions and enhance compliance processes across 16 state Acts.
During a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, the cabinet approved 15 proposals from various departments. This initiative marks a pivotal move towards trust-based governance, as it aims to decriminalize minor regulatory offences and simplify compliance.
According to a press statement released by the state government, the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025 is a transformative legal amendment that seeks to replace criminal penalties for minor procedural offences with civil penalties, thereby reducing unnecessary compliance burdens present in selected state laws.
This ordinance is in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, introduced by the Government of India, which promotes the substitution of criminal penalties for less serious defaults with appropriate civil sanctions.
The reform effort in Odisha involved an extensive review of outdated legislation across nine departments and focuses on 16 state acts. A notable aspect of the ordinance is its replacement of imprisonment and criminal fines for minor offences with a system of graded civil penalties.
Additionally, the ordinance facilitates quicker resolution of disputes, with authorized officials overseeing inquiries and appeals, which in turn minimizes litigation costs and delays. The reforms cover a range of laws including those related to municipal governance, gambling, labor welfare, fire safety, excise, electricity duty, and cooperative societies.
The acts slated for reform include, but are not limited to, the Odisha Nurses and Midwives Registration Act, 1938, Odisha Municipal Act, 1950, Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955, and the Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1956.
“These reforms aim to enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living (EoL), thus boosting investor confidence and establishing Odisha as a more accessible, citizen-focused, and progressive state. With the goal of Viksit Odisha, this ordinance demonstrates how effective governance, citizen-friendly legislation, and investor assurance can work together to foster economic growth, social welfare, and sustainable development,” the government statement concluded.
Point of View
I believe the Odisha Cabinet's decision to approve the Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 reflects a proactive approach towards modernizing regulatory frameworks. This initiative not only aims to foster a more conducive environment for businesses but also reinforces the commitment to citizen-centric governance. It is essential to balance regulatory needs while ensuring that minor infractions do not lead to criminal penalties, which can hinder growth and innovation.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025?
The Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025 is a legal reform approved by the Odisha Cabinet aimed at decriminalizing minor regulatory offences and streamlining compliance across 16 state Acts.
Why is this ordinance significant?
This ordinance is significant because it replaces criminal penalties for minor offences with graded civil penalties, reducing compliance burdens and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business in Odisha.
Which departments are involved in this reform?
The reform initiative involves nine departments in Odisha, focusing on a comprehensive review of outdated legislation across various sectors.
How does this ordinance impact citizens and businesses?
By decriminalizing minor regulatory offences, the ordinance aims to create a more business-friendly environment while ensuring that citizens benefit from faster resolutions and reduced litigation costs.
What are some acts included in the reform?
The reform includes acts such as the Odisha Nurses and Midwives Registration Act, Odisha Municipal Act, and Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, among others.
