News: The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to reform India’s nuclear energy framework to support the government’s goal of achieving 100 gigawatt nuclear power capacity by 2047.
SHANTI Bill, 2025
- Full name: Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI Bill), 2025
- Nodal Ministry: Department of Atomic Energy
Key Provisions
- Repeal of Existing Nuclear Laws: The Bill proposes the repeal of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which currently governs nuclear activities in India.
- It also seeks to repeal the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which regulates liability in case of nuclear accidents.
- New Legal Framework for Nuclear Energy: The Bill establishes a unified framework to govern the production, use, and regulation of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation in India.
- Entry of Private Sector in Nuclear Power: For the first time, private companies, joint ventures, and other eligible entities will be allowed to apply for licences to set up and operate nuclear power facilities.
- Private entities will also be permitted to transport nuclear fuel, subject to regulatory approval.
- This marks a major departure from the existing public sector monopoly in civil nuclear power.
- Activities Reserved for the Government: Sensitive activities such as uranium enrichment, spent nuclear fuel management, and heavy water production will remain under the exclusive control of the Union government.
- Licensing and Regulatory Oversight: All nuclear and radiation-related activities will require a licence from the Central government.
- In addition, operators must obtain safety authorisation from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The Bill grants statutory status to the AERB and clearly defines its regulatory powers.
- Strengthening of Nuclear Safety Regulation: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board will be empowered to regulate radiation exposure, waste management, safety inspections, and emergency preparedness.
- The Bill authorizes the Centre to take control of radioactive substances or radiation-generating equipment in situations involving radiation hazards.
- The cost of safe disposal may be recovered from the entity holding the safety authorization.
- Liability in Case of Nuclear Accidents: The operator of a nuclear installation will be primarily liable for any nuclear damage caused by an accident.
- Exceptions apply in cases of grave natural disasters of an exceptional character, armed conflict, war, civil unrest, or terrorism.
- If compensation exceeds the operator’s liability limit, the Central government will assume responsibility for additional compensation.
- Insurance and Financial Security Requirements: Nuclear operators will be required to maintain insurance or other financial security to cover potential nuclear damage.
- The Bill provides for the establishment of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission to adjudicate compensation claims. This replaces the existing liability framework under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
- Treatment of Research and Innovation Activities: Research and innovation activities in the nuclear sector will largely be exempt from licensing requirements.
- Exceptions will apply in cases involving national security concerns or activities reserved exclusively for the government.
