New DelhiA significant bill to increase the proportion of nuclear energy in India's total energy mix, promote nuclear science and technology innovation, and give the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board statutory status was passed by Parliament on Thursday. A day after it passed the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha approved the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (SHANTI Bill).
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh responded to the debate by claiming that nuclear safety standards have not been compromised in an effort to allay opposition members' worries. According to him, the new law is intended to satisfy India's expanding energy requirements while maintaining obligations pertaining to nuclear liability, safety, security, and safeguards. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 are to be repealed, according to the bill. The minister claims that the new framework will support advancements in atomic science and technology and help extend nuclear applications beyond power generation.
Focused on ambitious energy goalsNotably, India has established a bold plan to decarbonize its economy and attain energy independence by 2070. By 2047, the nation hopes to have 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity as part of this plan. In addition to strengthening domestic nuclear capabilities, the SHANTI Bill aims to support the global nuclear energy ecosystem.
Amendments are rejected after opposition raises concerns.Due to the bill's long-term effects, opposition members vehemently insisted that it be referred to a standing or select committee. They questioned whether the legislation was influenced by outside pressure and claimed that the liability provisions had been weakened. However, during the voting process, opposition members' proposed amendments were rejected.
PM Modi refers to it as a turning point.The SHANTI Bill's passage was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant achievement for the nation. He wrote, "This is the ideal time to invest, innovate and build in India," on X. He continued by saying that the bill gives young people and the private sector new opportunities. "Thank you to the MPs who helped make it a law. PM Modi stated, "It provides a decisive boost to a clean-energy future for the country and the world, from safely powering AI to enabling green manufacturing."
SHANTI Bill: What is it?The bill seeks to expand the use of nuclear science and technology in fields like healthcare, agriculture, water, food processing, industry, research, and environmental protection while bolstering India's nuclear power program. Additionally, it aims to update the regulatory framework in light of new technologies, such as nuclear and radiation applications made possible by artificial intelligence. For the production, use, and administration of nuclear energy and radioactive materials, the proposed legislation offers a strong licensing and safety authorization system. It establishes comprehensive guidelines for the construction, management, and shutdown of nuclear power plants, research reactors, fuel manufacturing facilities, and radiation facilities.
Subject to stringent national security and safety protections, the bill also creates opportunities for public sector organizations, government businesses, joint ventures, and other businesses to participate. The statutory support for the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which is considered to be constituted under the new law, is a crucial aspect of the bill. With expanded authority for inspection, investigation, and enforcement, the AERB will serve as the primary regulator for nuclear safety, radiation protection, security, and safeguards. Additionally, the Board is required to protect restricted information while ensuring transparency through organized public outreach.