Parliament passes SHANTI Bill, PM Modi calls it 'transformational moment'

Parliament on Thursday passed a crucial bill aimed at increasing the share of nuclear energy in India's overall energy mix, boosting innovation in nuclear science and technology and granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (SHANTI Bill) was approved by the Rajya Sabha a day after it cleared the Lok Sabha.

Replying to the debate, Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh sought to address concerns raised by opposition members, stating that nuclear safety norms have not been weakened. He said the new legislation is designed to meet India's growing energy needs while continuing to uphold commitments related to safety, security, safeguards and nuclear



liability. The bill proposes repealing the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. According to the minister, the new framework will help expand nuclear applications beyond power generation and encourage innovation in atomic science and technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the SHANTI Bill as a major milestone for the country. "This is the ideal time to invest, innovate and build in India," he said in a post on X. He added that the bill opens up new opportunities for the private sector and the youth. "My gratitude to MPs who have supported its passage. From safely powering AI to enabling green manufacturing, it delivers a decisive boost to a clean-energy future for the country and the world," PM Modi said.