Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill, Opens Door for Private Players in Nuclear Power

Parliament has approved a major overhaul of India's civil nuclear framework with the passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, or SHANTI, Bill.

The Rajya Sabha cleared the legislation by a voice vote, a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha, completing the government's push to reshape the tightly regulated nuclear power sector.

The Bill marks a significant policy shift by opening the door for private companies to play a direct role in nuclear power generation, a space traditionally dominated by state-run entities.

Private sector entry into nuclear power

A central feature of the SHANTI Bill is the provision allowing private players to operate nuclear power plants in India. The government has positioned this move as essential to scaling up nuclear capacity at a time when the country's energy needs are rising rapidly.

By enabling private participation, the legislation seeks to bring in fresh investment, advanced technology and global expertise, which officials say are critical for expanding nuclear power as a clean and dependable energy source.

Changes to liability and compensation framework

The Bill also proposes amendments to the existing nuclear liability regime. These changes aim to rationalise compensation payouts by operators in the event of a nuclear accident, a long-standing concern for potential investors in the sector.

According to the government, a clearer and more balanced liability framework is necessary to boost confidence among private companies while maintaining accountability and public interest safeguards.

Government stresses role of nuclear energy

Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh underlined the strategic importance of nuclear power in India's energy mix. He pointed out that unlike renewable sources such as solar and wind, nuclear energy offers uninterrupted power.

"Nuclear energy provides a reliable 24×7 power supply," Singh said, adding that expanding nuclear capacity was crucial to meeting growing demand while ensuring grid stability.

Safety concerns addressed in Parliament

Responding to apprehensions raised by members, the minister assured the House that safety standards would not be weakened under the new framework.

"There will be no compromise with the safeguard mechanism in place," he said.

Singh also addressed fears related to radiation exposure, stating that there had been no reported cases of radiation-related hazards affecting the public so far.

With parliamentary approval now secured, the SHANTI Bill is expected to usher in a new phase for India's nuclear power programme. The government maintains that increased private participation, combined with strong regulatory oversight, will help accelerate the growth of clean and reliable energy while keeping public safety at the core of the sector's expansion.