The Parliament has successfully passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha's endorsement on December 18. This bill marks a significant reform in India's nuclear governance framework, primarily by granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that this bill consolidates and rationalizes provisions from the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act while modernizing India's nuclear regime to meet contemporary technological and energy demands.
Addressing various concerns, Minister Singh affirmed that nuclear safety and national sovereignty are non-negotiable. Nuclear plants are strategically located away from major seismic zones, ensuring safety. Radiation levels at sites like Kudankulam, Kalpakkam, Tarapur, and Rawatbhata remain well within global safety limits, with no scientific evidence linking these plants to carcinogenic risks.
The bill introduces graded liability caps to attract smaller investors while ensuring full compensation through government-backed mechanisms in cases where damage exceeds operator liability. Judicial oversight is preserved with the establishment of an Atomic Energy Redressal Commission for expedited dispute resolution.
While limited private participation is allowed in exploration activities, uranium mining, spent fuel, fissile material, and heavy water remain under stringent government control. Cyber security measures have been bolstered through encryption, audits, malware filtering, and multi-layered digital safeguards.
Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined ambitious capacity targets for India's nuclear energy:
- 9 GW currently
- 22 GW by 2032
- 47 GW by 2037
- 67 GW by 2042
- 100 GW by 2047
Nuclear energy is envisioned to play a crucial role in supporting AI-driven growth, digital infrastructure, and India's long-term transition to clean energy.
Q1. What is the SHANTI Bill 2025?
Answer: The SHANTI Bill 2025 is a legislative measure aimed at reforming India's nuclear governance framework, granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and enhancing safety standards.
Q2. What are the key features of the SHANTI Bill?
Answer: Key features include statutory recognition of AERB, enhanced safety protocols, recognition of Small Modular Reactors, and expanded definitions of nuclear damage to include environmental impacts.
Q3. How does the SHANTI Bill affect nuclear safety in India?
Answer: The Bill strengthens nuclear safety by establishing mandatory inspections, aligning with international norms, and ensuring that plants are located away from seismic zones.
Q4. What is the target capacity for nuclear energy in India by 2047?
Answer: The SHANTI Bill outlines an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047 to support India's clean energy transition.
Q5. How does the SHANTI Bill address investor concerns?
Answer: The Bill introduces graded liability caps to attract smaller investors while ensuring full compensation through government mechanisms for damages exceeding operator liability.
Question 1: What does the SHANTI Bill 2025 primarily address?
A) Renewable energy sources
B) Nuclear governance framework
C) Environmental policies
D) Cybersecurity measures
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the new capacity target for nuclear energy in India by 2042?
A) 22 GW
B) 47 GW
C) 67 GW
D) 100 GW
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which organization’s norms does the SHANTI Bill align with?
A) WHO
B) IAEA
C) UNDP
D) WTO
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What type of reactors are recognized under the SHANTI Bill as safe solutions?
A) Large reactors
B) Small Modular Reactors
C) Thermal reactors
D) Fast breeder reactors
Correct Answer: B
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