India's SHANTI Bill: A Landmark Shift in Nuclear Energy Regulation

The SHANTI Bill has been passed by the Rajya Sabha, marking a pivotal change in India's nuclear energy regulation. This legislation mandates safety oversight throughout the lifecycle of nuclear plants and aims to achieve clean energy goals by 2047. It allows limited private participation in the nuclear sector while addressing safety and liability concerns. The bill consolidates various regulatory aspects under one law, enhancing accountability and reducing legal complexities. As India seeks to expand its nuclear capacity significantly, the SHANTI Bill represents a bold step towards energy self-sufficiency and strategic strength in global energy politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 12:12 IST

Rajya Sabha Passes SHANTI Bill After Extensive Debate

The Rajya Sabha has approved the 'Sustainable Harnessing of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill' following a lengthy four-hour discussion. Attempts by the opposition to send the bill to a parliamentary committee and propose various amendments were rejected. This legislation marks a significant transformation in India's nuclear governance, as it legally mandates safety oversight throughout the entire lifecycle of a nuclear plant, from construction to operation, waste management, and decommissioning. Previously, the framework primarily relied on executive discretion and accountability post-accident.

Objectives and Provisions of the SHANTI Bill

The SHANTI Bill aims to achieve India's clean energy goals by 2047. It will allow limited private participation in the country's tightly regulated civil nuclear sector. While the opposition raised concerns regarding safety and liability, the government asserts that this law establishes a sustainable and mandatory safety framework that does not solely depend on one-time approvals. The bill includes provisions for a practical civil liability system for nuclear damage and grants legal status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Transforming Nuclear Safety Regulations

Previous laws, such as the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act of 2010, primarily viewed safety as a post-accident responsibility. The SHANTI Bill shifts this perspective by implementing a 'legal, lifecycle-based regulatory framework.' Now, any activity involving construction, operation, transportation, storage, decommissioning, or waste management that poses radiation risks will require separate and explicit safety approvals.

Streamlining Regulations and Enhancing Accountability

This legislation consolidates regulation, enforcement, civil liability, and dispute resolution under a single law, reducing legal complexities and compliance uncertainties. The AERB will gain clear authority to conduct inspections, investigations, issue binding directives, and suspend or revoke operations for safety standard violations. Strengthening accident prevention, severe risk situations will be classified as nuclear incidents even without actual damage. However, key operations like fuel enrichment, reprocessing of spent fuel, and heavy water production will remain under central government control.

Long-Term Vision for Nuclear Energy in India

With the current framework, it has been challenging for nuclear energy to become a long-term alternative to thermal power. Over decades, India has added only about 8 gigawatts of nuclear capacity, while significant reforms are necessary to reach 100 gigawatts by 2047 and 300 gigawatts or more by 2070. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described this bill as a 'transformative moment' for the country's technological landscape, while BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi emphasized its necessity for the nation.

Strategic Implications of the SHANTI Bill

The SHANTI Bill is not merely a technical law; it represents a declaration of India's strategic thinking. As the world grapples with climate crises, energy insecurity, and geopolitical polarization, India has sent a clear message that energy self-sufficiency is now a pillar of national security, not just an option. This bold decision to bring nuclear energy into the mainstream is both courageous and aggressive.

Breaking Away from the Old Compensation Model

Historically, India has operated under a 'post-accident compensation' model for nuclear safety. The SHANTI Bill breaks this inertia, introducing the rigor that international investors have long demanded—clear regulations, defined responsibilities, and real regulatory power.

Strengthening Energy Security and Technological Sovereignty

From a strategic perspective, this bill strengthens India on multiple fronts. It will reduce dependence on coal and imported gas, thereby limiting the impact of global supply shocks. Additionally, it will establish India's technological dominance, as private participation will bring in capital, innovation, and momentum, while sensitive processes remain under state control to safeguard sovereignty. As India targets 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, it is not just generating electricity; it is enhancing its stature in global energy politics.

Addressing Opposition Concerns

While the opposition's concerns regarding safety are theoretically valid, the SHANTI Bill provides practical answers. This law clarifies that safety is now a binding condition. Empowering the AERB through regulation gives India the courage to pursue its ambitious goals. The SHANTI Bill serves as India's nuclear manifesto, aiming to make the country self-reliant in energy.