English
English
English
With Parliament clearing the SHANTI Bill, India has taken a decisive step toward expanding nuclear energy, modernising regulation, and unlocking innovation across science and technology, while balancing safety, security, and long term clean energy ambitions.
The law replaces older atomic energy and nuclear liability legislation.
New Delhi: Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill 2025, commonly known as the SHANTI Bill. The legislation received final approval after clearing both Houses, marking a major shift in how India plans to grow and govern its nuclear energy sector. The bill is designed to strengthen nuclear power generation while expanding the use of atomic science beyond electricity.
At its core, the SHANTI Bill seeks to raise the share of nuclear power in India’s energy mix and position nuclear science as a driver of innovation. It replaces older laws that governed atomic energy and nuclear liability, introducing a new and consolidated framework. The government says this approach better reflects current technological realities and future requirements.
Addressing concerns raised during the debate, the government clarified that nuclear safety standards have not been weakened. According to the explanation offered in Parliament, the new law continues to uphold commitments related to safety, security, safeguards, and nuclear liability. The emphasis, officials said, is on updating regulation without compromising public protection or international obligations.
PM Modi highlights India’s respect for diversity while addressing Indian community in Muscat
One of the defining features of the SHANTI Bill is its broader vision for nuclear applications. The legislation encourages the use of nuclear science in healthcare, agriculture, water management, food processing, industrial applications, environmental protection, and advanced research. This signals a shift from viewing nuclear technology only as a power source to seeing it as a multi sector enabler.
India has committed to long term energy independence and economy wide decarbonisation by 2070. As part of this roadmap, the country aims to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The SHANTI Bill aligns with these targets by strengthening domestic capabilities and supporting India’s participation in the global nuclear energy ecosystem.
VB-G-Ram-G Bill: RJD leader Manoj Jha writes open letter to MPs, urges opposition
Opposition members expressed strong reservations during the debate. They argued that the bill carries far reaching implications and should have been examined by a standing or select committee. Concerns were raised over whether liability provisions had been diluted and whether external influences shaped the legislation. Despite these objections, amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected through voting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the passage of the SHANTI Bill as a transformational moment for India’s technology and energy landscape. He said the legislation creates opportunities to invest, innovate, and build within the country. The Prime Minister highlighted its potential to support areas such as artificial intelligence, green manufacturing, and clean energy development, while opening new avenues for the private sector and young innovators.
A key pillar of the SHANTI Bill is the statutory status granted to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Under the new law, the Board becomes the central authority for nuclear safety, radiation protection, security, and safeguards. It is empowered with stronger inspection, investigation, and enforcement capabilities, along with a mandate for transparency through structured public outreach.
The legislation lays out detailed provisions governing the full life cycle of nuclear facilities. This includes the establishment, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants, research reactors, fuel fabrication units, and radiation facilities. A robust licensing and safety authorization system is designed to ensure accountability at every stage.
The SHANTI Bill allows participation by public sector entities, government companies, joint ventures, and other firms, subject to strict national security and safety conditions. This approach aims to attract investment and expertise while retaining firm oversight of sensitive technologies and materials.
Taken together, the SHANTI Bill represents a comprehensive overhaul of India’s nuclear governance. By combining expanded applications, modern regulation, and ambitious capacity goals, the law seeks to position nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India’s clean and technology driven future.
