The Bill introduces an elaborate framework on duties and liabilities, including civil liability for nuclear damage. It caps the maximum liability for each nuclear incident at the rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights, with the Central Government assuming liability beyond the operator’s limit in specified cases.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the passing of the SHANTI Bill by Parliament is a transformational moment for India’s technology landscape and opens up numerous opportunities for the private sector and the youth.
“This is the ideal time to invest, innovate and build in India,” the prime minister said in a post on X.
A key feature of the Bill is the statutory backing for the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which is deemed to be constituted under the new law.
The AERB will function as the central regulator for nuclear safety, radiation protection, security and safeguards, with enhanced powers for inspection, investigation and enforcement. The Board is also mandated to ensure transparency through structured public outreach while protecting restricted information.
The Bill introduces an elaborate framework on duties and liabilities, including civil liability for nuclear damage. It caps the maximum liability for each nuclear incident at the rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights, with the Central Government assuming liability beyond the operator’s limit in specified cases.
Provision has also been made for mandatory insurance or financial security by operators to cover potential liabilities.
The new nuclear energy bill will spare equipment suppliers from liability in case of incidents, among other sweeping changes to the sector.The proposed law confines liability to plant operators, which will maintain the right to a legal recourse in case of accidents.
The bill does however exclude suppliers from any responsibility and limits the operators’ legal options to individuals who may have intentionally caused damag
He said the passing of the SHANTI Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a transformational moment for India’s technology landscape.
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill was passed by Parliament on Thursday, a move that will open up the tightly controlled nuclear power sector for private players.
“My gratitude to MPs who have supported its passage. From safely powering AI to enabling green manufacturing, it delivers a decisive boost to a clean-energy future for the country and the world,” Modi said.
The prime minister said the passage of the SHANTI Bill also opens up numerous opportunities for the private sector and the youth.