Safe use of firearms: Government preparing to amend Arms Act

NEW DELHI: Safe use and storage of firearms, provisions for consolidation of multiple licences and permission for add-on licences for individuals within the family are a few key provisions which are part of a draft to amend an over half-a-century-old Arms Act being prepared by the Home Ministry.

The draft seeks to cut down on the lengthy procedure to obtain a licence within a specific time, also seeks to ensure safe use and storage of firearms made mandatory for grant and renewal of licences.

"Provisions for consolidation of multiple licences have been introduced. Additional (Add-on) licences for individuals within the family allowed to reduce proliferation of arms and facility to legally use weapons by two family members," according to the draft prepared by the Home Ministry.

Licensing procedures simplified and existing ambiguities on major issues would be removed. There will be separate applications forms for different users for different services related to arms licences, according to the draft.

Criteria to be followed by licensing authorities for grant of a licence specified in rules, prescribed time-limit for police verification defined in rules, quantity of ammunition defined for individuals enhanced and provisions for grant of licences to legal heirs have been introduced in the draft.

Restrictions on carrying of firearms in public places have been introduced, provisions for licence for training and target practice made elaborative, licences for sport shooting associations and clubs introduced and firing ranges brought arms licensing regime.