Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have passed the 'Sustainable Harnessing And Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India' (SHANTI) Bill 2025 during the winter session of Parliament. The bill approves the participation of the private sector in the nuclear energy sector.
New Delhi: The 'Sustainable Harnessing And Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India' (SHANTI) Bill 2025 has been passed in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the winter session of Parliament. This is the first significant legislation to approve private sector participation in the field of nuclear energy. The government has termed its passage as historic, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a "transformative moment" for the country.
Meanwhile, the opposition has opposed the bill, stating that it is intended to benefit only private companies and foreign investors. Following the bill's passage, a debate has intensified nationwide regarding its potential impacts on energy and security.
What did PM Modi say?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the passage of the SHANTI Bill by both houses of Parliament is a historic and transformative step in India's technological landscape. He said:
'From safely empowering AI to enabling green manufacturing, this bill decisively boosts a clean-energy future for the country and the world. It opens up numerous new opportunities for the private sector and the youth. It is an excellent time for investment, innovation, and manufacturing in India.'
PM Modi also stated that this step will provide a crucial turning point towards making India a developed country by 2047.
Government's Stance
The government has described the passage of the bill as a historic and strategically important step. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the bill is necessary considering India's growing energy needs and global competition. He stated that India has set a target of 100 gigawatts of clean energy production by 2047, and nuclear energy will play a crucial role in achieving this. Jitendra Singh said:
'This bill will not only meet the growing energy demand but also be crucial in achieving the goal of 'Self-Reliant India'. It will promote investment and technological innovation in the country.'
The government has described the SHANTI Bill as an important step from the perspective of the country's energy security and economic development.
Opposition and Protest
However, protests have also begun following the passage of the bill. The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) and the United Kisan Morcha (SKM), organizations of power engineers and farmers respectively, have announced nationwide protests against the bill. The organizations allege that the bill opens up the Indian nuclear sector to private and foreign investment, which could weaken the structure of nuclear safety and accountability.
According to AIPEF, the implementation of the bill could not only affect public interest but also impact the structure of responsibility and control in emergency situations. The organization will hold a protest demonstration on December 23rd.
Potential Impacts of the SHANTI Bill
Private Sector Participation: The bill will allow private companies to invest and operate in the nuclear energy sector.
- Clean Energy and AI Applications: The bill will encourage the development of green energy production and advanced technologies in the country.
- Opportunities for Youth and Innovation: New employment and technological opportunities will open up.
- Opposition and Security Concerns: The opposition says the bill could affect nuclear safety and public accountability.
The passage of the SHANTI Bill is considered the beginning of a new era in India's energy sector. However, a thorough debate on legal, security, and environmental aspects is needed before its implementation.
