When and how that will happen is anybody’s guess but a close look at the draft amendments shows that the attempt is to introduce several new provisions to bring Indian regulations in line with international/United Nations standards and factor in the technological advancement in manufacturing.

Home Ministry officials claim that the new law will strengthen the hands of the Nagpur-based Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), the primary regulator in the sector by beefing up security and licensing systems.

One of the most significant amendments proposed is to bring in ammonium nitrate — the terrorists’ most recent explosive of choice — under the ambit of the law despite the fact that the chemical is not an explosive per se.

In its list of recommendations, obtained by The Indian Express, the Home Ministry has admitted that production of ammonium nitrate cannot come under the 1884 Explosives Act and the 1983 Explosives Rules. However, since the chemical is increasingly a raw material in explosives, all manufacturers should maintain daily computerized records of purchase and use and to “install (a) foolproof mechanism to cross-check the authenticity of the raw material received, consumed and explosives produced and to submit monthly returns of ammonium nitrate procured and used.”

Some of the other key changes proposed: should inspect all explosive stores in their jurisdiction every three months, inspection reports should be sent to PESO and the district police.

• Onus for any theft/loss of munitions to fall on the licensee or “shot-firer” employed by him in a mine or quarry.

• Scientific marking and packaging of all explosives with manufacturers required to store explosives in the licensed premises only.

• Licensee required to submit his photograph and have a verification check while applying to the PESO.

• District authorities who issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to manufacturers will have authority to cancel it. The manufacturers, incidentally, objected to this saying district authorities could be “influenced by political pressure.” The objection has been overruled by PESO.

There is also a proposed amendment liberalising licensing norms: raising the manufacturing limit for a license from 5 to 25 kg; provision for provisional license; renewal for 10 years as against the earlier provision of two years. Officials say that this should be done simultaneously with strengthening the regulatory mechanism.All explosive consignments to be accompanied by two armed guards at the cost of the licensee. If the consignment is likely to pass through “sensitive areas,” armed guards provided by the District Police should accompany it. should inspect all explosive stores in their jurisdiction every three months, inspection reports should be sent to PESO and the district police.

• Onus for any theft/loss of munitions to fall on the licensee or “shot-firer” employed by him in a mine or quarry.

• Scientific marking and packaging of all explosives with manufacturers required to store explosives in the licensed premises only.

• Licensee required to submit his photograph and have a verification check while applying to the PESO.

• District authorities who issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to manufacturers will have authority to cancel it. The manufacturers, incidentally, objected to this saying district authorities could be “influenced by political pressure.” The objection has been overruled by PESO.

There is also a proposed amendment liberalising licensing norms: raising the manufacturing limit for a license from 5 to 25 kg; provision for provisional license; renewal for 10 years as against the earlier provision of two years. Officials say that this should be done simultaneously with strengthening the regulatory mechanism.Police officers/Executive Magistrates should inspect all explosive stores in their jurisdiction every three months, inspection reports should be sent to PESO and the district police.

• Onus for any theft/loss of munitions to fall on the licensee or “shot-firer” employed by him in a mine or quarry.

• Scientific marking and packaging of all explosives with manufacturers required to store explosives in the licensed premises only.

• Licensee required to submit his photograph and have a verification check while applying to the PESO.

• District authorities who issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to manufacturers will have authority to cancel it. The manufacturers, incidentally, objected to this saying district authorities could be “influenced by political pressure.” The objection has been overruled by PESO.

There is also a proposed amendment liberalising licensing norms: raising the manufacturing limit for a license from 5 to 25 kg; provision for provisional license; renewal for 10 years as against the earlier provision of two years. Officials say that this should be done simultaneously with strengthening the regulatory mechanism.