SHANTI Bill Passed, Critics Claim Rush to Aid PM Ally
SHANTI Bill Passed, Critics Claim Rush to Aid PM Ally
Parliament passes the SHANTI nuclear bill, opening the sector to private investment; critics say it was rushed to shore up ties and dilute liability rules.
Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, a landmark move that opens India's civil nuclear sector to private and foreign investment for the first time. Government supporters say the bill will accelerate clean energy deployment, expand capacity, and attract major investments while overhauling governance and liability norms. The bill also redefines the responsibilities of plant operators and strengthens safety oversight with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) positioned as an independent regulator.
Opposition critics, led by the Congress, argue the bill was bulldozed through Parliament to help Prime Minister Modi restore 'SHANTI' with his 'once good friend'. They claim the SHANTI Bill scales back key provisions of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, raising concerns over liability in the event of a nuclear accident and potentially shifting the burden toward the public sector. A senior Congress figure posted on X alleging the US context is driving the move and even suggesting the act could be nicknamed the 'TRUMP Act' due to references in the U.S. NDAA 2026 to joint assessments on nuclear liability. The references in the U.S. act were cited as a reason for the hurried passage, according to critics.
Proponents point to a broader view of SHANTI as a watershed for India's energy policy, enabling the private sector to design, build, and operate nuclear plants, thereby spurring investment and potentially increasing capacity to meet energy and climate targets. They say the reform of governance and liability rules, along with AERB's strengthened role, would improve safety and accountability while unlocking capital to scale up nuclear power.
Questions from lawmakers also surfaced: a Rajya Sabha member raised queries about the roadmap and timelines for scaling up nuclear capacity under the Nuclear Energy Mission and whether policy shifts, including adjustments to fuel and petrol specifications, have a clear plan. This shows that while the government touts a major policy shift, Parliament remains focused on implementation details and safeguards.
Energy policy observers say the SHANTI Bill could reshape India's energy mix, but the debate will hinge on how liability is balanced with private investment and how safety is ensured. In the weeks ahead, stakeholders will watch for regulatory guidelines, investment decisions, and any policy adjustments in light of international considerations.
