Lucknow, Aug. 7 -- In a bid to create an industry-friendly atmosphere and remove irritants in the ease of doing business, the Uttar Pradesh government proposes to enact a new law to decriminalise 293 minor offences and replace the provisions for imprisonment with civic penalties

Those aware of the development said the 293 provisions proposed to be decriminalised are part of nearly 15-20 acts and the proposed law would ensure that the penalties are commensurate with the seriousness of the crime.

The Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, the laws for urban local bodies that include the municipal corporations, the Fire Services Act, the Tree Protection Act, labour laws and the laws for industry have provisions for imprisonment for minor offences. Th...