India Tables Nuclear Bill: Privatization, Changes In Clauses To Shield Operators
NEW DELHI- Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh introduced the ‘Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India’ (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, in Parliament on December 16. This marks a major step to open the nuclear industry to private players with the stated aim of achieving 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the ‘Atomic Energy Act, 1962’ and the ‘Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010’.
The bill paves the way for private sector entry while restructuring the legal framework for accident compensation. The new provisions effectively exempt nuclear reactor suppliers from liability regarding faulty equipment and shield operators from certain tort claims by victims of nuclear accidents.
This move addresses long-standing demands from the international nuclear industry, including US firms, which have lobbied for years to be protected from compensation claims in the event of an accident.
According to the statement of objects and reasons accompanying the Bill, sustained research and development have enabled India to achieve self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle and to operate its nuclear power program in a responsible manner. With this experience in place, the government sees scope to significantly enhance nuclear installed capacity to support clean energy security and provide reliable round-the-clock power for emerging needs such as data centers and future-ready applications.
The Bill also proposes a revised civil liability framework for nuclear damage, confers statutory status on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and strengthens mechanisms related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness. It provides for the creation of new institutional arrangements, including an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, the designation of Claims Commissioners, and a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for cases involving severe nuclear damage. (IANS)
