The President of India granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 on December 20, 2025. The landmark legislation replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. The SHANTI Act fundamentally reorganises India's nuclear energy infrastructure by permitting Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and other qualified private entities to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants. Both Houses of Parliament passed the Bill on December 18, 2025. The Act creates a new regulatory framework aimed at accelerating India's nuclear capacity addition target of 100 GW by 2047. It also establishes a Nuclear Damage Fund and a Nuclear Regulatory Authority as an independent statutory body.
President Grants Assent to SHANTI Bill 2025, Replacing Atomic Energy Act 1962
President assented to SHANTI Bill 2025, replacing Atomic Energy Act 1962; allows private sector in nuclear power.
Key facts
- President granted assent to SHANTI Bill 2025 on December 20, 2025, replacing Atomic Energy Act 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010
- Permits Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private entities to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants
- Passed by both Houses of Parliament on December 18, 2025
- Aims to accelerate India's nuclear capacity addition target of 100 GW by 2047
- Establishes a Nuclear Damage Fund and Nuclear Regulatory Authority as an independent statutory body
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Government roadmap for nuclear energy sector (Budget 2025-26) — Both address India's evolving nuclear energy policy and expansion framework.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse the structural reforms introduced by the SHANTI Act 2025, which replaced the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and reorganised India's nuclear energy framework.
Answer (50 words):
On 22 December 2025 the President assented to the SHANTI Act 2025, replacing the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010. It permits Independent Power Producers to build and operate nuclear plants, creates a Nuclear Damage Fund and Regulatory Authority, targeting 100 gigawatt capacity by 2047.
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The SHANTI Act 2025 replaces which of the following legislations? 1. Atomic Energy Act, 1962 2. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 3. Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011 Select the correct answer:
The SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Act 2025 replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
Source: Holtec International
Frequently asked questions
When did the President grant assent to the SHANTI Bill, 2025, and which laws does it replace?
The President of India granted assent to the SHANTI Bill, 2025 on December 20, 2025. The legislation replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
What private participation does the SHANTI Act permit in nuclear power plants?
The SHANTI Act permits Independent Power Producers and other qualified private entities to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants.
When did Parliament pass the SHANTI Bill and what capacity target does the new framework support?
Both Houses of Parliament passed the Bill on December 18, 2025. The new regulatory framework is aimed at accelerating India's nuclear capacity addition target of 100 GW by 2047.
Which new bodies or mechanisms does the SHANTI Act establish?
The Act establishes a Nuclear Damage Fund and a Nuclear Regulatory Authority as an independent statutory body.
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