New Delhi, 17 December (H.S.): The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed by voice vote a bill aimed at increasing the share of nuclear power in India’s overall energy mix. The legislation seeks to modernize India’s nuclear energy framework, promote innovation in nuclear science and technology, and expand its application beyond electricity generation into non-power sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

The bill, titled the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (also referred to as the ‘SHANTI Bill, 2025’), was introduced by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh for consideration and passage in the lower house.

Moving the bill, Dr. Singh said its main objective is to modernize India’s nuclear energy laws and make the sector more inclusive and accessible. He emphasized that this was not an entirely new legislation, but rather an amendment and restructuring of existing frameworks to align with contemporary energy goals and technological needs.

“This bill will chart a new course for India’s development journey,” he stated.The bill’s Section 9 allows individuals and institutions to undertake innovation and research in the nuclear field, while another provision authorizes the government to restrict participation from certain entities for security reasons.

Responding to an extensive debate in the House, Dr. Singh said some opposition parties were criticizing the bill without fully reading or understanding it. He clarified that the government has clearly defined the rights and responsibilities of private participants and set robust mechanisms for safety, security, quality assurance, and emergency preparedness.

Dr. Singh highlighted that the new legislation will replace both the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. It aims to foster public-private partnerships and joint ventures, encouraging the participation of both state-owned and private entities in nuclear projects.

It will particularly promote the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) at a large scale to meet India’s growing energy demand sustainably.The bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 15, also seeks to uphold India’s commitments to safety standards, defense measures, and international nuclear liability norms.

It stresses the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology for various sectors — including power generation, healthcare, agriculture, research, climate, and environmental innovation.

According to the government, the proposed regulatory structure will not only strengthen nuclear safety and security but also ensure public welfare and transparency. With this legislation, India aims to accelerate innovation in the nuclear domain and create a self-reliant and globally competitive ecosystem that integrates both public and private participation in one of the world’s most strategic energy sectors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar