SHANTI BILL

NEWS

• The Lok Sabha has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025.
• The Bill marks a major shift in India’s nuclear energy policy by allowing private sector participation in a sector traditionally dominated by the State.
• The Bill was passed by voice vote amid strong Opposition protests and a walk-out.

HIGHLIGHTS

Background: India’s Nuclear Power Sector

• India’s civilian nuclear sector is currently under complete government control.
• Power generation is handled by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
• Present installed capacity: 8.7 GW from 24 operational reactors.
• Nuclear power contributes a small share of India’s total electricity mix.

Key Provisions of the SHANTI Bill

• Repeal of Existing Laws:
  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962
  • Civil Liability to Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
• Private Sector Entry:
  • Opens nuclear power generation to private industry participation.
• Regulatory Reform:
  • Grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which earlier functioned under an executive order.
• Long-term Vision:
  • Targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, contributing about 10% of India’s electricity needs.

Government’s Rationale

• Emphasised:
  • Rising energy demand
  • Need for clean and reliable baseload power
  • Alignment with India’s net-zero and energy security goals