6 August 2013
NEW DELHI: The draft of Delhi Lifts and Escalators Bill, 2013, has been approved. The Bill not only promises a stringent monitoring mechanism and penalties for violators, but for the first time proposes to bring lifts, escalators, pathways, runways and travelators under the gamut of law.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Sheila Dikshit. If passed in its present form, violators will be fined in the range of Rs 10,000 (for residential establishments) to Rs 1 lakh (commercial setups). The draft legislation also lays down a clause wherein violators may even have to face imprisonment of up to three months. The much-delayed Bill would replace the archaic Bombay Lifts Act, 1939, which is being followed in Delhi.
After the meeting, Dikshit said with the installation of a large number of lifts, escalators and walkways, there is a need for improved periodic inspections, testing and certification of lifts and escalators. "The Bombay Lifts Act, 1939 as extended to NCT of Delhi needs to be replaced by a comprehensive and effective Act of Delhi. Now with the cabinet approving the draft, it will be sent to the ministry of home affairs which will then forward it to the power ministry for approval. This will take care of safety aspects," the CM said.
The draft also provides for third party insurance.
Published by: The Times Of India