The Bill has been introduced to modernise the regulatory framework relating to lifts, escalators, and passenger conveyors in Karnataka. The changes are intended to strengthen compliance with updated safety standards under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, while also shifting to a trust-based governance model for ease of living and doing business.

  Alignment with Updated Safety Regulations

• Section 4(1) now mandates compliance with the Central Electricity Authority (Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 in place of the earlier 2010 version.
• This ensures installation and operations are in line with the most recent safety standards.

  Decentralisation of Authority

• The term “Chief Inspector of Lifts, Escalators & Passenger Conveyors” has been substituted with “authorised officer” in Sections 4(5), 4(6), 4(7), 11(1), 16, and 17.
• This change simplifies administrative processes and reduces dependence on a single central authority, allowing quicker decision-making.

  Simplified Licensing Process

• Section 4 has been amended to remove the requirement of forwarding recommendations to the Chief Inspector.
• The authorised officer can now directly grant or refuse licences after inspection, cutting down on procedural delays.

  Accident Reporting

• Under Section 11(1), owners must continue to report accidents to the authorised officer, Commissioner of Police, and District Magistrate.
• However, the approval for resuming operations post-accident will now come from the authorised officer instead of the Chief Inspector.

  Suspension/Cancellation of Licence

• Section 16 empowers the authorised officer (instead of the Chief Inspector) to suspend or cancel a licence if the licensee violates provisions of the Act, rules, or licence conditions.

  Appeals Process

• Section 17(1) provides that disputes between the owner and registered person regarding quality of work or materials may now be appealed before the authorised officer instead of the Chief Inspector.