Lok Sabha passes Nuclear Bill, opens door for private players

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Nuclear Energy Bill that seeks to open the sector for private participation, with the government reassuring the House that the proposed law retains and strengthens provisions on safety and security while streamlining the liability framework.

The Lower House of Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Shanti) Bill by voice vote even as the opposition walked out. The bill will now be taken up in the Rajya Sabha.

"The entire idea was to bring an enabling law into an enabling ecosystem without compromising the security concerns of the nation," minister of state for atomic energy Jitendra Singh said, replying to discussions on the Bill.


India is among countries that are looking at a larger role of nuclear power in their energy mix, targeting 100 GW of capacity requiring about $214 billion in investment by 2047.

‘Key Concerns Addressed’

Experts say the new law addresses key concerns of private players that should attract private capital into the sector. “This move will alleviate the concerns of global players and pave the way for leveraging their capabilities and intellectual property rights for future projects in India,” said Anujesh Dwivedi, partner, Deloitte India.

The opposition contended that the Bill diluted provisions of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act that put liability for nuclear incidents onto nuclear equipment suppliers as well.

Singh said while the clause on suppliers of equipment was removed, liability in the event of a nuclear incident will rest with the operator, who can settle it through a contract.

He also defended capping the operator liability at ₹3,000 crore, saying that “the entire compensation will be given” as the liability will also be met by the government through a fund and under international frameworks if required.

‘AGE OF SILOS OVER’

Singh pointed to technological evolution and advanced safety measures as key reasons for amending the legal framework. “If we have to envisage a global role for ourselves, we have to follow global strategies. The age of silos is over,” he said. There were issues being raised by collaborators in coming forward to participate in India’s nuclear energy, the minister said. He also pointed to changes in technology, such as small modular reactors which the government intends to encourage. “Supplier is a very wide definition, and many suppliers were hesitant to come forward. It became an unending chain and created a silent phobia among them,” Singh said.

According to the government, the legislation seeks to balance expansion of nuclear energy with safety, accountability and public interest, placing nuclear power within the broader national effort towards energy security and a lower-carbon future.

Key highlights

▶ Nuclear Roadmap Aims to achieve 100 GW nuclear capacity by ’47

▶ Boost to SMRs with Rs 20,000 cr allocation

▶ Target: 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033

▶ Encouraging private sector participation

▶ Eases restrictive provisions via amendments

▶ Move to support India’s net-zero mission by 2070

▶ Over 80% capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2047