SHANTI Bill, 2025
The SHANTI Bill, 2025 marks a watershed moment in India’s nuclear energy policy, promising expansion and modernization but raising serious questions about safety, accountability, and privatization.
Context of the Bill
- The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2025.
- It repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, consolidating them into a single framework.
- The Bill allows private sector participation in nuclear power generation and related applications, under government licensing and oversight.
- It strengthens the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and introduces a new liability framework for nuclear incidents.
Key Features
| Aspect |
Old Framework |
SHANTI Bill, 2025 |
| Legal Basis |
Two separate laws (1962 & 2010) |
Single consolidated statute |
| Private Participation |
Restricted to government entities |
Permitted under strict licensing |
| Safety Oversight |
AERB with limited scope |
Expanded powers, mandatory insurance, shutdown authority |
| Liability |
Civil Liability Act, capped compensation |
New framework with clearer accountability |
| Strategic Goal |
Controlled expansion |
Push for large-scale nuclear adoption as clean energy |
Editorial Perspective
- Promise of Clean Energy Nuclear power is central to India’s ambition of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity in the coming decades. The Bill rightly positions nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative to coal, aligning with climate commitments.
- Concerns on Safety & Accountability Opposition parties and experts warn that private entry could dilute safety standards. While the government insists safety is “non-negotiable”, past lapses in industrial regulation raise doubts about enforcement capacity.
- Privatization Debate The Bill is framed as reform, not privatization, since the government retains control over critical operations. Yet, opening the door to private players inevitably shifts the balance of responsibility, especially in liability and compensation.
- Transparency & Public Trust Nuclear energy carries unique risks. Without robust public consultation and transparent regulation, the reforms may face resistance from communities near proposed plants.
Risks & Trade-offs
- Safety lapses could have catastrophic consequences; enforcement must be ironclad.
- Liability clarity is essential—victims of nuclear accidents must not face bureaucratic hurdles.
- Economic viability: Nuclear projects are capital-intensive; private players may demand subsidies, raising fiscal concerns.
- Public perception: Fear of radiation and accidents could undermine acceptance unless communication is proactive.
Conclusion
The SHANTI Bill is both ambitious and contentious. It reflects India’s urgency to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. Yet, the government must ensure that safety, transparency, and accountability remain paramount. Nuclear energy can be a pillar of India’s clean energy future—but only if reforms are implemented with vigilance, not haste.
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