Uttar Pradesh Assembly Approves Lift and Escalator Legislation

In the second bill, a provision has been included to shorten the tenure of the Lokayukta and the Up-Lokayukta from eight years to five years.

Addressing the Lift and Escalator Bill, Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma highlighted the necessity for such legislation following an incident in Noida, where MLAs Dhirendra Singh and Pankaj Singh advocated for laws governing lifts and escalators.

Sharma outlined key aspects of the bill, emphasizing mandatory registration for installing lifts and escalators in public spaces. Provisions for prompt accident reporting, insurance, and compensation were also incorporated.

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Under the proposed law, lifts and escalators cannot be installed without prior approval from the Energy Department. Additionally, manufacturers, installers, and maintenance agencies must register with the Directorate of Electrical Safety, with renewals required every five years and annual testing mandated with a fee of ₹1,500.

Failure to comply with repair standards will result in fines for owners or institutions. Sharma underscored the bill’s significance, noting the absence of similar provisions in Uttar Pradesh, unlike states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Haryana.

BJP member Dhirendra Singh commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Energy Minister Sharma for introducing the bill, predicting it would be a significant milestone. However, Samajwadi Party members Dr. R K Verma, Amitabh Vajpayee, and Kamal Akhtar critiqued the draft, calling for it to be referred to a Select Committee.

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Vajpayee raised concerns about ambiguity regarding insurance, compensation, and the lack of comprehensive accident data. He alleged hasty preparation of the bill.

In response, the energy minister assured that all necessary provisions would be addressed in the accompanying rules.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna discussed the Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2024, highlighting the reduction of Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta tenure from eight to five years, with the maximum age limit increased to 70 years.