Boiler explosion caused 359 deaths last year, says National Crime Records Bureau

NEW DELHI: Explosion of boilers led to 359 deaths in 2013 in the country, according to the National Crime Records Bureau ( NCRB), Parliament was informed today.

However, the government said that these deaths were not "only" due to boiler explosions.

"NCRB report shows that in 2013, there were 359 deaths in the country due to explosion of boilers etc. These deaths were not due to boiler explosion only, but it includes other explosions too (other than bomb explosions)," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

She said that the ministry has written to states to implement self-certification for boilers and boiler components.

"To ensure safe operation of boilers in this proposed self-certification scheme, provision has been made for annual inspection of boilers by a competent 'Boiler Engineer'," she said.

Further she added that the move is justified as introduction of self-certification and third party inspection in boilers shall result in improved safety of workers and also help in ease of doing business.

India ranked 142 among the 189 countries surveyed for the latest World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' report.