Nagpur, 11 June 2026

 

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, held an important press briefing in Nagpur on Thursday.

Dr Kajal, IAS, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, addressed the media on the reforms undertaken by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) in recent years.

Addressing the briefing, the Joint Secretary emphasised that while DPIIT remains committed to promoting industrial growth and improving the business environment, there can be “absolutely no compromise on safety standards.” She noted that the growing number of explosives-related industries in Nagpur reflects increasing economic activity and healthy competition.

She further stated that DPIIT, in coordination with local authorities, is leveraging technology and automation to strengthen safety compliance and regulatory oversight.

Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, PESO, Dr Sanjana Sharma, who was also present at the briefing, highlighted the role of PESO as a regulatory body responsible for granting licences and permissions. She underlined that most industrial accidents occur due to non-compliance with prescribed safety regulations and stressed the need for strict adherence to safety norms by industries.

During the briefing, Dr Kajal highlighted a series of major reforms undertaken between 2024 and 2026. These include amendments to the Explosives Rules, 2008, introducing barcode-based traceability systems, streamlined transportation provisions and online submission of records to strengthen safety and regulatory efficiency.

She added that, in support of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, DPIIT has also introduced amendments to the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016 and the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016, creating a modern framework for the production, storage, transportation and utilisation of green hydrogen.

Key Measures

In a major Ease of Doing Business initiative, the validity of licences under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, Explosives Rules, 2008 and SMPV (Unfired) Rules, 2016 was extended from five years to ten years through notifications issued during April–June 2025. The measure significantly reduces renewal-related compliance requirements, lowers administrative costs and provides greater certainty for long-term investments.

DPIIT also introduced fee concessions during 2025 for MSMEs, startups and women entrepreneurs under various rules administered under the Explosives Act, 1884. The initiative aims to reduce regulatory costs, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, promote women-led enterprises and facilitate wider participation of small businesses in regulated sectors.

To strengthen national security and public safety, notifications issued during April, July, October and December 2025 imposed restrictions on the manufacture, possession, sale, use and import of electric detonators, while providing specified exemptions. The reforms reduce the risk of misuse of explosive initiation systems and encourage adoption of safer blasting technologies.

Further, a uniform fee structure for services rendered by Competent Persons under the SMPV (Unfired) Rules, 2016 was prescribed in May 2025. The measure enhances transparency, consistency and accountability in inspections, certifications and approvals while protecting industry from arbitrary charges.

In November 2025, the definition of gas cylinders was expanded to include Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) containers along with clearer dimensional specifications. The amendment provides regulatory clarity for emerging technologies, enhances safety standards and supports the development of LNG infrastructure across the country.

Based on detailed scientific simulation studies, amendments notified in March 2026 strengthened safety requirements for fireworks shops. The evidence-based reforms improve protection of workers and the public, establish clearer safety benchmarks and reduce risks associated with fire and explosion incidents.

 

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PIB Nagpur | Dhananjay Wankhede/Saurabh Khekde/Darshana Rane

 

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