Lok Sabha passes SHANTI Nuclear Bill: Boost for nuclear power, education, innovation

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill on Tuesday, December 18.  The Bill has now been moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion which seeks to modernise India’s nuclear framework.

It also aims to end the long-standing state monopoly and open the civil nuclear sector to private and foreign participation under strict regulation. Along with energy generation, the bill is expected to expand opportunities in nuclear education, research and skill development.

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Key provisions of SHANTI Bill

The SHANTI Bill replaces two major laws which include the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. One of its most important features is allowing private companies to build, own and operate nuclear power plants which was earlier reserved for government entities only.

The bill permits foreign investment of up to 49 per cent in nuclear projects, while ensuring that majority control remains with the Indian government. To strengthen safety oversight, the bill grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Scope of nuclear education, research

The passage of the SHANTI Bill significantly widens the scope for nuclear education and research in India. Section 9 of the bill allows individuals, universities and private entities to take part in nuclear research and innovation which were earlier limited to government institutions.

This opens scope for new academic programmes in nuclear science, reactor design, radiation safety and nuclear cybersecurity. Universities can now collaborate with industry and international institutions to develop specialised courses and research centres.

Boost to skills, innovation and careers

To support future growth, the government has launched a Nuclear Energy Mission focused on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore. The aim is to operationalise five indigenous SMRs by 2033.

With India targeting 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, the bill is expected to create strong demand for trained professionals. It also promotes non-power uses of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture and industry new career paths in applied nuclear sciences.