Parliament Clears SHANTI Bill, Opening India’s Nuclear Sector To Private Players Amid Opposition

Parliament has passed the SHANTI Bill, opening India’s nuclear sector to private and joint venture participation. The law replaces the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010. The government says the reforms will boost nuclear capacity from 8.88 gigawatts to 22 gigawatts by 2032 and 100 gigawatts by 2047, while retaining state control over sensitive areas. The Opposition has opposed the Bill, alleging it dilutes operator liability and weakens oversight, warning it could limit legal remedies for victims of nuclear accidents.