Paper: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Legislative, Issue: SHANTI Bill, 2025
Context:
The Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025.
- The Bill opens India’s civil nuclear sector to private and foreign companies a major policy shift from decades of state monopoly.
- Despite Opposition protests, the Bill was cleared and will now move to the Rajya Sabha.
Key Changes Introduced by the Bill
Private companies can operate nuclear power plants
- Earlier, only the government-run NPCIL could run nuclear plants.
- Now private and foreign firms can build, operate, and manage them.
Repeals older laws that restricted private participation
- Amends atomic energy legislation to open civil nuclear activity to private entities.
Operator liability is capped
- The operator’s accident liability is limited to the capacity of the plant.
- Critics say this reduces safety accountability.
Govt retains control of nuclear waste
- Only the Union government will manage nuclear waste and disposal.
Why the Govt Supports the Bill
- Attract foreign investment & technology into the nuclear sector.
- Accelerate clean energy transition and meet net-zero commitments.
- Expand nuclear capacity to reduce reliance on coal.
- Promote innovation and competition in nuclear power generation.
| SHANTI Bill: Comparison with Existing Laws | ||
| Aspect | Atomic Energy Act, 1962 & CLNDA, 2010 | SHANTI Bill 2025 |
| Sector Control | Complete government monopoly over nuclear energy. | Government control retained, but limited private participation allowed |
| Private Participation | No role for private companies | Private firms allowed up to 49% minority equity |
| Foreign Involvement | Effectively restricted due to legal and policy barriers | Foreign participation permitted through partnerships |
| Liability Framework | Strict supplier liability under CLNDA | Risk-sharing & liability management mechanisms proposed |
| Technology Focus | Large, indigenous nuclear reactors | Emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) |
| Investment Environment | Closed and risk-heavy for investors | More investment-friendly and aligned with global practices. |
The SHANTI Bill represents a bold attempt to harness the potential of nuclear energy through private sector participation. However, it also raises important questions about safety, liability, and transparency.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040