The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, a day after it was cleared by the Lok Sabha.

The Bill consolidates and rationalises provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, while granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. This strengthens regulatory oversight and aligns India’s nuclear governance framework with global best practices.

The Bill does not permit privatisation of strategic assets. Uranium mining beyond defined limits, spent fuel management, and control over strategic materials such as fissile material and heavy water will remain exclusively with the government. Also, while private participation may be allowed in certain areas under strict conditions, nuclear safety and sovereign control are fully safeguarded.

The Bill introduces graded liability caps to encourage participation without compromising victim compensation, with government-backed mechanisms ensuring protection in cases exceeding operator liability.