The Lok Sabha has taken up the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, for consideration and passing. 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.
Moving the bill, Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that 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 India’s current nuclear energy capacity stands at 8.8 Gigawatts, as compared to 4.4 Gigawatts in 2014. Dr Singh added that nuclear energy is superior to other sources of renewable energy.
The Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at the COP meeting about the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2047. He said that to achieve this target, 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. He said, this is a very important and historic bill.
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. He termed the provision dangerous. Mr Tharoor said, it creates a backdoor through which any facility can escape oversight if the government deems it convenient.
