SHANTI BILL

Introduction :

In India, Nuclear energy currently accounts for only a small share of power generation, contributing to about 3% in 2024-25. To address this, the government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.

Against this backdrop, the SHANTI Bill seeks to reform the legal framework governing the construction and operation of civilian nuclear facilities.

Provisions :

1. Ends Monopoly
   • Under Atomic Energy Act,1962, the generation of nuclear power in India has, to date, been restricted exclusively to government entities.
   Eg : NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited)
   • Now, the bill proposes the entry of private sector participation in nuclear energy generation.
2. Expanding Private Sector Role
   • For the first time since independence, private entities can build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants and reactors.
3. Revised Civil Liability Framework
   • Eliminates the supplier liability provision in the earlier law, aligning India’s liability regime more with international norms to enhance investor confidence.
   • Operator liability for nuclear damage is defined and linked to plant capacity.
4. Advanced Nuclear Technologies
   • The Bill supports the deployment and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s) and other advanced reactor designs.
5. Statutory Nuclear Regulator
   • The Bill grants statutory status to the AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board)
   • This provides greater regulatory independence and strengthens oversight for both public and private nuclear operators.
6. Strategic And Safety Provisions
   • The legislation emphasises strengthening safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness to ensure safe expansion of nuclear energy capacity.
7. Institutional Mechanisms
   • The Bill proposes the establishment of an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council for dispute resolution and strategic guidance.
   • Also proposes setting up Tribunals/Commissions for nuclear damage claims and related adjudications.

Issues With The Bill :

1. Dilution Of Liability Regime
   • Removal of supplier liability weakens accountability and may limit compensation avenues for victims in case of accidents.
2. Low Liability Cap
   • The ₹3,000 crore cap on operator liability is considered inadequate to cover any damages, potentially shifting the financial burden to the government and the taxpayers.
3. Safety Risks With Private Sector Participation
   • Profit-driven private entities may compromise on safety standards leading to catastrophic consequences.
4. Unclear Radioactive Waste Management
   • Absence of a clearly defined long-term strategy for nuclear waste disposal and decommissioning responsibilities.
5. Federalism Issues
   • States bear environmental and social risks, but decision-making remains highly centralised.
6. High Cost Concerns
   • Nuclear power requires heavy investment and private participation may not reduce costs compared to cheaper renewable energy options.

Way Forward :

1. A fair liability system to protect people in case of accidents/disasters.
2. Increasing transparency and involving public in decision-making.
3. Balancing nuclear power expansion with renewable energy development.
4. Regular inspections of nuclear plants and strict safety checks.
5. Introducing private participation in phases, not all at once.

Conclusion :

While the SHANTI Bill can help India expand clean energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, its success depends on strong regulation, uncompromised safety and public trust.

A cautious, well-regulated approach is therefore essential to ensure that private sector participation strengthens – not weakens – India’s nuclear energy framework.