This renewed push for the bill comes after a previous proposal languished for two years
The Madhya Pradesh government is racing to finalise a new Fire Safety Bill, with the aim of tabling it during the upcoming winter session of the state assembly. The proposed legislation, which is being prepared in line with the central government’s Fire Safety Act, seeks to establish a comprehensive and unified framework for fire and emergency services across the state.
This renewed push for the bill comes after a previous proposal languished for two years. The need for a dedicated law was highlighted in 2022 following a tragic hospital fire in Jabalpur that killed eight people. While the state government had announced its intent to introduce a bill at the time, it failed to materialise in subsequent assembly sessions.
Now, with a clear directive from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the urban administration department is working tirelessly to finalise the draft. Urban Administration Department Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya is closely overseeing the process.
Comprehensive Framework for Safety
The draft bill outlines a number of key provisions aimed at overhauling the current system, where fire incidents are primarily handled by civic bodies under their respective local rules. The new legislation is expected to include:
A Unified Service: The bill proposes the establishment of a single fire and emergency service for the entire state, ensuring a consistent and coordinated response.
New Infrastructure: It includes provisions for setting up new fire stations and creating a dedicated directorate of fire services, with clear rules for the appointment of fire officers.
Financial Provisions: The legislation will allow for the levying of a “fire tax” to fund these services.
Legal Authority: The bill will grant fire officers the authority to deal with emergencies, including the power to arrest individuals who hamper fire control operations and to penalise those who violate safety duties.
In preparation for the new law, state officials have studied fire safety acts in other states to identify and incorporate best practices. The government hopes that this new, comprehensive bill will not only prevent future tragedies but also professionalise and standardise fire safety across Madhya Pradesh.
