SHANTI Bill: Atomic Energy Bill 2025 Opens Nuclear Sector
Why in the news
The Union Cabinet cleared a bill that rewrites India’s nuclear framework, opening the field to private players and resetting safety and liability rules.
Key facts
- SHANTI expands as Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India.
- Goal: 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
- Piloted by the Department of Atomic Energy, under the Prime Minister’s Office.
Old framework
- The 1962 Atomic Energy Act is the broad nuclear law.
- The 2010 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act is unclear and restrictive for private entry.
Main features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Private role | Exploration, fuel fabrication, equipment making, maybe plant operation; domestic and global investors |
| Single law | Merges old rules on licensing, safety, operations |
| Liability | Clear operator-supplier duties; insurance-backed caps with government backstop |
| Regulator | Independent nuclear safety authority |
| Disputes | Dedicated nuclear tribunal |
| SMRs | R&D and rollout of small modular reactors |
Exam angle
- Term: SMR means small modular reactor.