Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha approving it by voice vote on December 18, following Lok Sabha clearance the previous day. The legislation aims to facilitate private sector participation in India's tightly regulated civil nuclear energy domain, marking a significant policy shift toward expanding atomic power generation. Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh, replying to the debate, emphasised nuclear energy's advantage as a reliable 24x7 baseload source, unlike intermittent renewables such as solar or wind. He assured members that existing robust safeguard mechanisms would remain uncompromised, with no dilution in safety or security protocols overseen by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and international commitments.

Singh addressed concerns over radiation risks, stating there has been no reported public hazard from radiation in India's nuclear operations to date. The bill seeks to accelerate capacity addition amid growing energy demands and net-zero goals, allowing joint ventures between public sector entities and private firms under strict regulatory oversight. Proponents argue it will attract investment, technology, and expertise to scale small modular reactors and advanced designs faster.

The opposition raised questions on liability, proliferation risks, and potential privatisation of strategic assets, but the government reiterated that core sensitive activities like fuel cycle and research remain state-controlled. Singh highlighted global trends where private involvement coexists with strong regulation, positioning the bill as enabling rather than deregulatory.

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This reform aligns with India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans, targeting 100 GW by 2047 as part of clean energy mix diversification. The SHANTI Bill now awaits presidential assent to become law, potentially unlocking partnerships for next-generation reactors.

Passage of the legislation reflects bipartisan consensus on nuclear's role in energy security, despite debates on implementation safeguards. Stakeholders anticipate detailed rules framing private entry modes, liability clauses, and technology transfer norms in coming months. The move signals maturation of India's nuclear ecosystem from state monopoly toward regulated collaboration while upholding non-proliferation credentials. As climate imperatives intensify, the bill positions atomic power as a stable complement to renewables in the national grid.

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