SHANTI Bill, 2025: India’s Modern Nuclear Energy Framework
Overview of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is generated through controlled atomic reactions, primarily nuclear fission, which releases heat used to produce electricity. This process generates large-scale power without emitting greenhouse gases, making it a dependable and low-carbon energy source that complements intermittent renewables such as solar and wind, while ensuring base-load electricity supply.
Context and Legislative Background
India’s nuclear programme has evolved through a carefully regulated legal framework focused on peaceful use, national security, and safety. Earlier legislations laid the foundation for state control, gradual capacity expansion, and liability management. With technological advancement and rising clean-energy ambitions, the existing framework required consolidation and modernization to align with present and future energy needs.
Need for a Modern Nuclear Framework
Growing electricity demand, decarbonisation commitments, and the requirement for round-the-clock power have increased the strategic importance of nuclear energy. Existing laws limited flexibility, investment scale, and innovation. A unified framework enables capacity expansion, technological advancement, and integration of nuclear power into long-term energy planning while maintaining strict safety and security oversight.
Present Status of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power currently contributes a modest but stable share to electricity generation. Installed capacity remains limited but is projected to rise significantly with new reactor technologies, indigenous designs, and international cooperation. Planned expansion reflects the intent to position nuclear energy as a long-term pillar of clean and reliable power supply.
Long-Term Nuclear Energy Vision
A national mission outlines the objective of achieving large-scale nuclear capacity by mid-century. Emphasis is placed on advanced reactor technologies, particularly small modular reactors, to enhance flexibility, safety, and decentralised deployment. These initiatives also support non-power applications such as hydrogen generation and industrial processes.
Key Structural Features of the New Framework
The framework permits limited private participation in nuclear operations under strict regulatory supervision, including power generation, manufacturing, and selected fuel-cycle activities. Sensitive domains such as high-level waste management, spent fuel processing, and strategic materials remain exclusively under sovereign control, ensuring national security and strategic autonomy.
Regulatory and Safety Architecture
A strengthened licensing system governs all nuclear activities, supported by enhanced safety authorisation mechanisms. Statutory recognition of the nuclear regulatory authority reinforces institutional independence, oversight capability, and accountability. Comprehensive systems for security, safeguards, emergency preparedness, and quality assurance are embedded across the sector.
Liability and Dispute Resolution Mechanism
A graded civil liability structure replaces uniform liability limits, allowing responsibility to vary according to installation type and risk profile. Dedicated mechanisms are established for claims adjudication, compensation management, dispute resolution, and appellate review, ensuring clarity, fairness, and timely redressal in nuclear-related incidents.
Strategic Safeguards and Governance
The framework balances sectoral openness with firm sovereign control over critical functions. Coordinated oversight mechanisms, reinforced safeguards, and clear acquisition rights ensure that expansion does not compromise national security, regulatory discipline, or independent decision-making in strategic nuclear matters.
Conclusion
The modernised nuclear framework represents a structural shift toward efficiency, innovation, and long-term energy security. By consolidating governance, enabling controlled participation, and strengthening safety oversight, it establishes a robust foundation for expanding clean, reliable nuclear energy while preserving strategic control and public safety.
MCQ:
1.Nuclear energy primarily generates electricity by:
A. Burning fossil fuels at high temperatures
B. Controlled atomic fission releasing heat
C. Chemical reactions between radioactive elements
D. Fusion of light nuclei under extreme pressure
2.One major advantage of nuclear power generation is that it:
A. Requires very small land area compared to all renewables
B. Produces electricity without greenhouse gas emissions
C. Depends entirely on imported technology
D. Operates only during peak demand hours
3.The primary objective of the SHANTI Bill, 2025 is to:
A. Privatise the entire nuclear sector
B. Replace renewable energy policies
C. Modernise and consolidate the nuclear legal framework
D. Eliminate government control over atomic energy
4.India’s nuclear energy contribution to total electricity generation has remained close to:
A. 1 percent
B. 3 percent
C. 7 percent
D. 12 percent
5.The present installed nuclear power capacity of India is approximately:
A. 4.5 GW
B. 6.2 GW
C. 8.78 GW
D. 12.5 GW
6.Planned nuclear capacity expansion aims to reach about 22 GW by:
A. 2027–28
B. 2029–30
C. 2031–32
D. 2035–36
7.Small Modular Reactors are emphasised mainly because they:
A. Eliminate the need for regulatory oversight
B. Are suitable only for military purposes
C. Offer flexible, scalable, and safer deployment
D. Replace conventional large reactors entirely
8.Under the new framework, private participation in nuclear energy is:
A. Completely unrestricted
B. Allowed under strict regulatory supervision
C. Limited only to foreign companies
D. Prohibited in power generation
9.Which of the following activities remains exclusively under central government control?
A. Nuclear equipment manufacturing
B. Electricity distribution
C. Spent fuel reprocessing and waste management
D. Reactor maintenance services
10.The graded liability framework implies that:
A. Liability limits are uniform for all installations
B. Operators bear unlimited liability
C. Liability varies based on installation characteristics
D. Liability applies only to private operators
11.Statutory recognition is granted to which body to strengthen nuclear regulation?
A. Department of Atomic Energy
B. Nuclear Power Corporation
C. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
D. Central Electricity Authority
12.Non-power applications of nuclear technology include use in:
A. Defence manufacturing only
B. Healthcare, agriculture, and industry
C. Space exploration exclusively
D. Telecommunications infrastructure
13.The strengthened regulatory framework focuses strongly on:
A. Rapid construction over safety
B. Security, safeguards, and emergency preparedness
C. Reducing inspection requirements
D. Decentralising all oversight powers
14.Dispute resolution under the framework includes the establishment of:
A. A Parliamentary Standing Committee
B. A Constitutional Bench
C. An Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council
D. A State-level Energy Tribunal
15.The long-term vision for nuclear energy expansion targets achieving large capacity by:
A. 2030
B. 2035
C. 2047
D. 2070
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