Legislative Milestone
Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill and Nuclear Governance Reform: The Parliament of India has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, completing the legislative process with Rajya Sabha approval on 18 December 2025. This marks a significant reform in India’s nuclear energy governance framework.
The Bill is designed to modernise nuclear regulation, strengthen safety oversight, and align India’s nuclear regime with global best practices. It also supports India’s long-term clean energy and climate commitments.
Statutory Status for AERB
A key feature of the SHANTI Bill is granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Earlier, AERB functioned as an executive body under the Department of Atomic Energy.
With statutory backing, AERB gains enhanced institutional authority, independence, and legal enforceability. This reform strengthens regulatory credibility and public confidence in nuclear safety.
Static GK fact: AERB was originally constituted in 1983 to oversee nuclear and radiation safety in India.
Strengthened Nuclear Safety Framework
The Bill introduces a robust and transparent nuclear safety regime. Mandatory safety inspections are required during both construction and operational phases of nuclear facilities.
Operating licences must now be renewed every five years, ensuring periodic safety reassessment. The framework is harmonised with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards.
Static GK Tip: The IAEA, headquartered in Vienna, sets global norms for nuclear safety and safeguards.
Expansion of Nuclear Liability Norms
The SHANTI Bill rationalises provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. It expands the definition of nuclear damage to include environmental damage, in addition to loss of life and property.
A graded liability cap has been introduced to attract private and smaller investors. In cases exceeding operator liability, government-backed compensation mechanisms ensure full redressal.
Judicial oversight is preserved through the proposed Atomic Energy Redressal Commission, aimed at faster dispute resolution.
Advanced Reactor Technologies
The Bill formally recognises Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Bharat Small Reactors as safe and flexible clean-energy technologies. These reactors are suitable for phased deployment and lower capital risk.
SMRs support decentralised power generation and are compatible with industrial and digital infrastructure needs.
Static GK fact: India follows a three-stage nuclear power programme based on pressurised heavy water reactors and thorium utilisation.
Sovereignty and Security Safeguards
The government reaffirmed that nuclear safety and national sovereignty remain non-negotiable. Nuclear plants continue to be located away from major seismic zones.
Radiation levels at Kudankulam, Kalpakkam, Tarapur, and Rawatbhata remain well below international safety limits. Cyber security has been strengthened through encryption, audits, malware filtering, and multi-layered digital safeguards.
Strategic materials such as uranium mining, spent fuel, fissile material, and heavy water remain under exclusive government control.
India’s Nuclear Energy Roadmap
The Bill supports India’s ambitious nuclear capacity expansion:
- 9 GW currently
- 22 GW by 2032
- 47 GW by 2037
- 67 GW by 2042
- 100 GW by 2047
Nuclear energy is positioned as a backbone for AI-driven growth, digital infrastructure, and clean energy transition.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill and Nuclear Governance Reform:
| Topic | Detail |
| Legislation | SHANTI Bill, 2025 |
| Regulatory Reform | AERB granted statutory status |
| Safety Measures | Mandatory inspections and 5-year licence renewal |
| Liability | Environmental damage included under nuclear damage |
| Technology | SMRs and Bharat Small Reactors recognised |
| Security | Enhanced cyber security and sovereignty safeguards |
| Capacity Target | 100 GW nuclear power by 2047 |
| Global Alignment | Safety norms aligned with IAEA standards |
