The SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), 2025 was passed by Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025, after Lok Sabha approved it on December 17. President Droupadi Murmu granted assent on December 20. The bill repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. Private companies can now build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants as Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Private entities can also participate in nuclear fuel fabrication, including conversion, refining, and enrichment of uranium-235 up to a threshold value set by the government. Core functions like enrichment beyond the threshold, heavy water production, and spent fuel management remain with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) gets formal statutory status as an independent regulator. A graded liability framework replaces the old regime, with limits varying by installation type.
SHANTI Bill Passed: India Opens Nuclear Energy Sector to Private Participation
SHANTI Bill passed; repeals Atomic Energy Act 1962; allows private nuclear plants; AERB gets statutory status.
Key facts
- The SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), 2025 received Presidential assent on December 20, 2025, repealing the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
- Private companies can now build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants as Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
- Private entities can participate in nuclear fuel fabrication including uranium-235 enrichment up to a government-set threshold value
- Core functions like enrichment beyond threshold, heavy water production, and spent fuel management remain with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) gets formal statutory status as an independent regulator
- A graded liability framework replaces the old regime, with limits varying by installation type
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Nuclear energy roadmap Union Budget 2025-26 — Both concern India's policy pivot to expand nuclear energy and open it beyond state monopoly.
Mains angle
Q: Critically assess the SHANTI Bill 2025 in opening India's nuclear energy sector to private participation while preserving strategic state control and strengthening regulatory oversight.
Answer (50 words):
Passed by Rajya Sabha on 18 December 2025 and given assent by President Droupadi Murmu on 20 December, SHANTI repeals the 1962 and 2010 Acts. Private IPPs may build, own and operate plants and fabricate fuel below an enrichment threshold; heavy water and spent fuel remain with DAE. AERB becomes statutory.
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Under the SHANTI Act, private companies can function as which of the following in the nuclear energy sector? (a) Independent Power Producers (IPPs) (b) Nuclear fuel fabricators (c) Owners and operators of nuclear power plants (d) All of the above
Under the SHANTI Act, private companies can build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants as IPPs. They can also participate in nuclear fuel fabrication including conversion, refining, and enrichment of uranium.
Source: World Nuclear News
Frequently asked questions
What legislative steps did the SHANTI Bill complete in December 2025?
The SHANTI Bill, 2025 was passed by Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025, after Lok Sabha approved it on December 17. President Droupadi Murmu granted assent on December 20.
Which earlier nuclear laws does the SHANTI Bill repeal?
The bill repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
What new roles does the bill allow for private companies in nuclear energy?
Private companies can now build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants as Independent Power Producers. Private entities can also take part in nuclear fuel fabrication, including conversion, refining, and uranium-235 enrichment up to a government-set threshold.
Which nuclear functions remain with DAE, and what regulatory changes are included?
Enrichment beyond the threshold, heavy water production, and spent fuel management remain with the Department of Atomic Energy. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board gets formal statutory status as an independent regulator, and a graded liability framework replaces the old regime.
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