The Lok Sabha has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, with amendments. The Bill is aimed at the development of nuclear energy and ionising radiation for nuclear power generation for the welfare of the countrymen. It also seeks to provide a robust regulatory framework for its safe and secure utilisation.
The Bill seeks to constitute the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and the establishment of the Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council. The Bill also provides for the liability of the Central Government in the event of a nuclear incident. The Central Government has established a Nuclear Liability Fund for the purpose of meeting its liability under the Bill.
The legislation enables the Board to regulate the manufacture, use, export, import, transport, and transfer of any radioactive substances and radiation-generating equipment. It further empowers the Central Government to specify measures for the security of radioactive substances. The Bill empowers the Central Government to undertake exploration activities for the discovery of uranium or thorium.
Replying to a debate on the Bill, Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, said the Bill strengthens mechanisms related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness. He said the government has given more authorisation and independence to private parties involved.
Dr Singh said the entire world is moving towards clean energy, and the government has set a target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. He said, to achieve the target of Net Zero Emissions, to meet the country’s growing energy needs and realise the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it is essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and petroleum.
Dr Singh said, this is not a new Bill, but the Government has modified certain aspects. He said, this Bill will give a new direction to the country’s developmental journey. Dr Singh said the Bill was necessary to address India’s growing energy needs and increase the share of nuclear power up to 10 per cent of the energy mix. The Minister said, nuclear energy will be a more reliable source of energy.
Participating in the discussion, Manish Tewari of Congress opposed the Bill and raised concerns over several new clauses in the Bill, including the exemption of liability of suppliers of nuclear products. He noted that India is still not a member of the Nuclear Supplier Group. Mr Tewari also said that this bill needs to be re-examined and demanded that it should be sent to the Joint Parliamentary committee.
Shashank Mani of BJP said, this bill will give a new impetus to the country and propel the chariot of a Developed India forward. He said the new legislation will benefit the countrymen, taking the nation ahead in energy security.
Opposing the Bill, Sougata Ray of Trinamool Congress said that it seeks to give an entry for private players into the nuclear energy space.
DMK’s Arun Nehru opposed the Bill and spoke about the disadvantages of allowing the private sector to enter sensitive fields such as nuclear energy.
Supporting the Bill, Dr Alok Kumar Suman of JD (U) said, this legislation is a significant step towards controlled and sustainable use of nuclear energy in the country.
Supporting the Bill, Krishna Prasad Tenneti of TDP said, the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, SHANTI Bill, 2025, the very name of the Bill reflects the Nation’s resolve to harness nuclear energy responsibly and strategically.
He said, the country’s journey in atomic energy is deeply rooted in scientific temperament and national foresight. Remembering the architect of India’s nuclear programme, Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, Mr Tenneti said, Dr Bhabha viewed atomic energy as a driver of development and self-reliance.
Shashi Tharoor of Congress said a provision in the bill allows the central government to exempt any plant from license or liability if the risk is insignificant. Terming the provision of the Bill as dangerous, Mr Tharoor said it creates a backdoor through which any facility can escape oversight if the government deems it convenient.
Dr Rabindra Narayan Behera of BJP said, with strong Research and Development, the country has been able to achieve self-reliance in nuclear technology. He said, India has been carrying out the Nuclear Programme in a responsible manner.
Sudama Prasad of CPI (ML) termed the legislation as anti-public and anti-environment. He alleged that it goes against national security. He said the Bill will lead to monopolisation of the energy sector leading to a hike in electricity rates and trouble for people.
Abdussamad Samadani of IUML said, the bill is conspicuously silent on long-term radioactive waste management. He said, by handing over such a sensitive sector to corporate hands, the legislation opens the door to regulatory capture and erosion of sovereign control.
Opposing the Bill, Pushpendra Saroj of Samajwadi Party said, nuclear power should never be used, keeping national and people’s security at stake. He said, the Bill is against what India stands for.
