India, April 29 -- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, represents one of the most far-reaching attempts in recent years to rationalise India's regulatory framework. Covering 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 ministries, the Bill significantly expands the scope of the Union government's effort to reduce the criminalisation of regulatory non-compliance. Having been passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 2, 2026, it now awaits Presidential assent.

The legislation replaces the earlier Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which was examined by a Select Committee of the Lok Sabha before being withdrawn in March 2026. In comparison, the 2026 Bill is substantially wider in scope. While the 2025 v...