In a decisive move to reshape India’s long-term energy strategy, the Union government on December 15, 2025, introduced the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Tabled by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the proposed legislation marks the most comprehensive reform of India’s nuclear legal framework since the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, signalling a renewed push toward clean, reliable, and large-scale power generation.
A Landmark Reform in India’s Nuclear Policy
The SHANTI Bill 2025 is positioned as a cornerstone of India’s ambition to scale its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of Independence. With India’s electricity demand projected to rise sharply amid rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, and digital expansion, the government sees nuclear energy as a critical pillar of energy security, net-zero commitments, and climate-resilient development.
At its core, the bill seeks to modernise outdated provisions governing nuclear energy, introduce regulatory clarity, and enable greater efficiency across the nuclear value chain. It also aligns with India’s broader clean energy transition, complementing solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives.
Key Objectives of the SHANTI Bill 2025
The legislation outlines a multi-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear growth while maintaining stringent safety standards. Its primary objectives include:
- Capacity Expansion: Creating a legal and policy framework to support rapid scaling of nuclear installations across states.
- Regulatory Modernisation: Updating legacy laws to reflect current technological and safety advancements.
- Private Sector Participation: Enabling structured participation of Indian private entities under robust oversight mechanisms.
- Energy Transition Support: Strengthening nuclear power’s role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.
Major Features at a Glance
| Focus Area | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Legal Reform | Comprehensive update of nuclear laws dating back to 1962 |
| Capacity Target | 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 |
| Investment Climate | Policy clarity to attract long-term domestic investment |
| Safety & Oversight | Reinforced regulatory mechanisms and accountability |
| Climate Alignment | Supports India’s clean energy and net-zero goals |
Strategic and Economic Implications
Experts view the SHANTI Bill as a potential catalyst for India’s nuclear ecosystem, spanning reactor manufacturing, fuel supply chains, and skilled employment. A sustained nuclear expansion could stabilise base-load power supply, reduce volatility from renewable intermittency, and lower long-term electricity costs.
Moreover, the bill strengthens India’s position as a responsible nuclear power with advanced governance standards, enhancing confidence among stakeholders and reinforcing the country’s global standing in civil nuclear energy development.
Political and Parliamentary Outlook
While the introduction of the bill has been widely acknowledged as a strategic necessity, it is expected to undergo detailed parliamentary scrutiny. Issues such as safety assurance, public acceptance, and implementation timelines are likely to feature prominently in debates.
