The Indian National Congress has challenged the government’s delay in amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, to enable private companies to operate nuclear power plants. In a statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned whether these promised bills would be introduced in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament, starting in November 2025.

Ramesh highlighted that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2025-26 Budget speech emphasized boosting nuclear energy through these amendments, yet no legislative proposals surfaced in the recently concluded parliamentary session. He also pressed for a bill to establish an independent regulatory body, separate from the atomic energy establishment, to foster private investment and ensure robust oversight.

The Congress leader recalled bipartisan efforts in shaping the 2010 Act, noting the contributions of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj. “The proposed amendments risk undoing their accomplishments,” Ramesh cautioned, suggesting potential setbacks to established nuclear liability frameworks.

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This critique aligns with broader discussions on India’s nuclear ambitions, including the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, aiming for 100 GW by 2047. The delay in legislative action has sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to its energy goals, with Congress urging clarity and accountability.

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