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Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill to Open Civil Nuclear Sector to Private Players Under Strict Safety Oversight

Parliament has approved the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, paving the way for regulated private participation in India’s civilian nuclear energy sector while maintaining firm government control over safety, strategic assets, and spent fuel management. The legislation received final clearance after being passed by the Rajya Sabha, following its earlier approval by the Lok Sabha.

Responding to an extensive debate in the Upper House, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, said the Bill strengthens India’s nuclear governance framework without compromising safety, national sovereignty, or public accountability.

He explained that the legislation brings together key provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, while also granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). According to the Minister, embedding the regulator within the parent law enhances oversight and aligns India’s nuclear regulatory regime with international best practices.

Addressing safety concerns, Dr Singh emphasised that nuclear safety norms remain unchanged and continue to be guided by the principle of “safety first, production next.” He outlined a rigorous inspection regime, including quarterly checks during construction, biannual inspections during plant operations, five-yearly licence renewals, and expanded enforcement powers for the now-statutory AERB, consistent with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.

The Minister also assured the House that India’s nuclear power plants are located away from major seismic fault zones. He noted that radiation levels at facilities such as Kudankulam, Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, and Tarapur are well below globally prescribed limits, adding that there is no scientific evidence linking Indian nuclear installations to cancer risks.

Clarifying apprehensions around privatisation, Dr Singh stated that private participation would be restricted to clearly defined civilian and exploratory activities, subject to stringent regulation. Uranium mining beyond specified thresholds, spent fuel management, and strategic materials—including fissile material and heavy water—will continue to remain under exclusive government control.

On liability provisions, the Bill introduces graded liability caps to encourage participation by smaller investors while safeguarding victim compensation. In instances where damages exceed operator liability limits, compensation will be met through government-backed mechanisms and applicable international conventions. The scope of nuclear damage has also been expanded to include environmental harm.

The legislation further ??????????????? the establishment of an Atomic Energy Redressal Commission aimed at expediting grievance redressal for citizens, without curtailing access to civil courts or higher judicial forums.

Responding to concerns related to sovereignty and foreign influence, the Minister underscored that international practices would be adopted only where appropriate to domestic conditions, without compromising India’s strategic autonomy. He reiterated that the Bill applies exclusively to civilian nuclear energy, with uranium enrichment limited strictly to reactor-grade requirements.

Highlighting the wider applications of nuclear science, Dr Singh noted its increasing role in healthcare, agriculture, food preservation, and cancer treatment, citing advancements in nuclear medicine at institutions such as the Tata Memorial Centre.

Outlining India’s long-term nuclear roadmap, the Minister said the country currently has close to 9 GW of nuclear power capacity and is targeting 22 GW by 2032, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042, and 100 GW by 2047. He emphasised that nuclear energy will be vital in meeting future electricity demand driven by digitalisation and artificial intelligence, given its capability to provide reliable, round-the-clock clean power.

Concluding the discussion, Dr Singh said the SHANTI Bill reflects India’s readiness to expand its nuclear energy programme responsibly, guided by the principles of safety, transparency, and national interest.