Nuclear Power Sector Set For Revamp As Parliament Passes Landmark SHANTI Bill

Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod to the legislation that seeks to open India’s tightly controlled civil nuclear sector to private participation. The Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Upper House passed the legislation by a voice vote, completing Parliament’s approval of the government’s proposed overhaul of the nuclear energy framework.

What Does SHANTI Bill Seek To Change?

The SHANTI Bill aims to allow private companies to operate nuclear power plants, marking a major shift in a sector that has so far been dominated by state-run entities. The legislation also proposes changes to the existing liability framework

and seeks to rationalise compensation payouts by operators in the event of a nuclear accident. The government has argued that these reforms are necessary to attract investment, advanced technology and expertise into India’s nuclear power programme.

Replying to a discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said nuclear energy provides a reliable 24×7 power supply, unlike other renewable energy sources that depend on weather conditions. He said expanding nuclear capacity was essential to meet India’s growing energy demand while ensuring stability in the power grid.

Addressing concerns raised by members, Jitendra Singh asserted that there would be no dilution of existing safety mechanisms.

“There will be no compromise with the safeguard mechanism in place,” he told the House.

He also sought to allay fears related to radiation exposure, saying there had been no reported cases of radiation-related hazards affecting the public so far.

What Happens Next?

With Parliament’s approval, the SHANTI Bill is expected to pave the way for greater private sector participation in nuclear power generation, alongside continued government oversight of safety and regulatory standards. The government has maintained that the reforms will help accelerate the expansion of clean and reliable energy while keeping public safety at the core of India’s nuclear programme.