By | Kalyani Mandle | PR Desk
What Is the Shanti Bill 2025?
New Delhi| The Shanti Bill 2025 has emerged as one of the most consequential legislative reforms in India’s nuclear and clean energy sector in recent decades. Passed during the Winter Session of Parliament, the Bill seeks to overhaul India’s nuclear governance framework by modernising outdated laws and aligning them with present-day energy needs, climate commitments, and technological advancements. The legislation is positioned as a long-term roadmap for strengthening India’s energy security while maintaining strict regulatory control.
Why the Government Brought This Bill
The government introduced the Shanti Bill at a time when India’s electricity demand is rising rapidly due to economic growth, urbanisation, and expanding digital infrastructure. While renewable sources like solar and wind have grown significantly, policymakers argue that they cannot fully meet round-the-clock power requirements. Nuclear energy is being projected as a stable, clean base-load option, and the Bill aims to create a structured legal environment to support its expansion without compromising safety.
What Changes Under the New Law
The Shanti Bill 2025 introduces wide-ranging reforms to how nuclear power projects are planned, regulated, and operated. It allows regulated participation beyond traditional public-sector structures, under a strict licensing regime and continuous government supervision.
The Bill strengthens the authority of the nuclear safety regulator by granting it statutory powers to inspect facilities, enforce compliance, and issue binding directions. It also establishes a clear liability framework, defining responsibilities in case of accidents or violations. Strategic and sensitive activities—such as nuclear fuel management and waste handling—remain under full government control. Additionally, the law mandates safety and environmental safeguards across the entire lifecycle of nuclear facilities.
Government Says Reform Is Key to Energy Security
The government has described the Shanti Bill as a future-ready reform that balances clean energy expansion with national interest. Officials maintain that the law will help India meet its climate goals, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support high-growth sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and advanced technology. According to the government, the Bill reinforces India’s commitment to safe and responsible nuclear power while opening doors for innovation and efficiency.
Opposition Flags Safety and Accountability Concerns
Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns over the Bill’s long-term implications. Critics argue that nuclear energy carries inherent risks and requires the highest level of public accountability. Questions have been raised over liability provisions, transparency, and whether private participation could dilute safety standards. Trade unions and environmental groups have demanded greater scrutiny, warning that any lapse in regulation could have serious consequences.
Why the Shanti Bill Is a Turning Point
Supporters see the Shanti Bill 2025 as a turning point in India’s clean energy journey. If implemented effectively, it could boost nuclear power generation, strengthen energy independence, and support sustainable development. However, experts stress that the real test lies in execution—strict enforcement, transparent regulation, and sustained public trust will determine whether the reform delivers its intended benefits.
What Happens Next
With parliamentary approval secured, the Bill now awaits Presidential assent before becoming law. The government is expected to notify detailed rules, licensing procedures, and regulatory mechanisms in phases. The coming months will be crucial in shaping how the Shanti Bill is implemented and how it reshapes India’s nuclear energy sector in the years ahead.
