New Delhi, SHANTI Nuclear Bill – A group of activists, experts, and rights leaders have strongly criticised the newly passed Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, calling it a dangerous step that invites nuclear accidents and huge economic losses. The bill, which allows private companies to take part in nuclear power projects for the first time, was cleared by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha this week amid protests from opposition parties.
The critics say the government rushed the bill through Parliament without proper discussion or review by a standing committee. They worry that handing over parts of the nuclear fuel cycle – like mining, fuel making, reactor running, and waste handling – to private firms could lead to safety issues and risks to national security.
Why Critics Call Privatisation a Security Risk
Experts point out that India’s nuclear sector has always been under strict government control under the old Atomic Energy Act of 1962. Bringing in private players, driven by profits, could raise chances of mishandling sensitive materials. Past global cases of illegal uranium trade show how weak controls can lead to problems like theft or sabotage.
In countries like France and Russia, the government keeps tight hold on such activities. Critics fear India is opening doors to more risks, especially in a country prone to earthquakes.
Changes to Liability Rules Worry Taxpayers
The SHANTI Bill replaces the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, which came after lessons from the Bhopal gas tragedy. The old law made sure victims got fair compensation and held suppliers responsible if faulty equipment caused harm.
Now, the new bill caps the operator’s liability at lower amounts and fully exempts suppliers from any blame. This means if an accident happens, taxpayers could end up paying most of the huge cleanup and health costs, while companies walk away with profits.
For example, the Chernobyl disaster cost around $700 billion (adjusted for today), and Fukushima’s cleanup was nearly $200 billion. Critics say the new caps are too low to cover such massive damage.
Possible Economic Damage from an Accident
A serious nuclear mishap could hit the economy hard. Millions might need to be moved out of affected areas, farming and fishing could stop for years due to radiation, and tourism would suffer. Jobs and markets could take a big hit, just like in Japan after Fukushima, where the economy lost billions.
Long-term health issues, like cancers from radiation, could cost crores in medical care over many years. Rural areas near plants, already struggling with farming problems, could face permanent damage.
Call for Safer Energy Choices
The group urged the government to rethink the bill and keep full public control over nuclear activities. They want strong liability rules restored and more focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are safer and decentralised.
“Nuclear power brings big risks that no amount of profit can justify,” said Soumya Dutta from the National Alliance of People’s Movements. Priya Dharshini from Friends of the Earth India added that safety must come before speedy growth. Advocate Prashant Bhushan called the liability changes a big mistake that protects big companies over people. Kavita Srivastava from People’s Union for Civil Liberties stressed the need for public voices in such decisions.
On the other side, Minister Jitendra Singh defended the bill, saying it modernises rules while keeping safety first and helps India reach 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 for clean energy needs. He said private involvement will bring investment without compromising security.
Opposition leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Manish Tewari raised similar concerns in Parliament, calling for more scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SHANTI Bill?
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, is a new law passed by Parliament to update India’s nuclear rules. It replaces old laws from 1962 and 2010, allows private Indian companies and joint ventures to build and run nuclear plants, and sets new liability limits for accidents.
Does the bill fully privatise nuclear power?
No. Key sensitive parts like uranium mining, enrichment, and waste management stay under government control. Private firms can take part in reactor building and operation, but only Indian companies or those permitted by the government.
What changes happen to liability in case of a nuclear accident?
The bill sets a cap on what the operator has to pay (up to around 300 million SDRs, or about ₹2,500-3,000 crore). Suppliers of equipment are fully exempt from liability. Extra costs could come from government funds, meaning taxpayers might bear the burden.
Why did opposition parties oppose the bill?
Many MPs wanted it sent to a committee for detailed review. They worried about safety risks from privatisation, lower liability protections, and lack of public consultation. Some walked out during voting.
Is nuclear energy safe in India?
India has a good safety record so far, with no major public radiation incidents. But critics say expanding quickly with private players could increase risks, especially without strong supplier accountability.
What are alternatives suggested by critics?
They push for more investment in renewable energy like solar, wind, and decentralised power systems, which have lower risks and can create jobs without danger of big disasters.
How will this affect India’s energy goals?
The government says it will help add more clean power fast, reduce coal use, and meet net-zero targets. Critics argue the risks outweigh benefits and safer options exist.