Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday introduced the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 in Parliament, marking a major reform initiative aimed at overhauling India’s legal and regulatory framework governing nuclear energy. The proposed Bill seeks to repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, replacing them with a single, comprehensive legislation aligned with India’s present and future energy, climate and technological needs.
Towards a Unified and Future-Ready Nuclear Law
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons accompanying the Bill, India’s sustained investments in research and development have enabled the country to achieve self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle and operate its nuclear power programme in a safe and responsible manner. With decades of operational experience, the government now sees significant scope to scale up nuclear installed capacity to support clean energy security and ensure reliable, round-the-clock power supply for emerging requirements such as data centres, advanced manufacturing and future-ready digital infrastructure.
The proposed legislation aims to replace fragmented and dated legal provisions with a modern, coherent and forward-looking framework capable of supporting India’s expanding nuclear ambitions.
Aligned with Climate Goals and Energy Transition
The Bill is closely linked to India’s long-term energy transition and climate commitments. The Statement outlines India’s roadmap towards net-zero emissions by 2070 and a strategic target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of Independence.
To achieve these objectives, the legislation emphasises optimal utilisation of indigenous nuclear resources, promotion of innovation, and enabling active participation of both public and private sectors, while positioning India as a responsible stakeholder in the global nuclear energy ecosystem.
Licensing, Safety and Regulatory Oversight
At the operational level, the Bill lays down clear provisions for licensing and safety authorisation for specified persons involved in the production, handling or use of nuclear energy. It also defines transparent grounds for suspension or cancellation of licences, strengthening regulatory accountability.
The scope of regulation under the Bill extends to the use of nuclear and radiation technologies in critical sectors such as healthcare, food and agriculture, industry and scientific research, while exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing requirements to promote technological advancement.
Revised Civil Liability and Institutional Strengthening
A key feature of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a revised and pragmatic civil liability framework for nuclear damage, aimed at balancing accountability with the need to attract investment and enhance operational viability.
The Bill confers statutory status on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and strengthens mechanisms related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness. It also provides for new institutional arrangements, including:
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An Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council
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Designation of Claims Commissioners
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Establishment of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for cases involving severe nuclear damage
The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity is proposed to serve as the appellate authority for matters arising under the legislation.
Modernising Nuclear Governance for the Future
By tabling the Bill, the government has signalled its intent to modernise nuclear governance in step with India’s evolving energy landscape, technological progress and international obligations. The proposed law seeks to strike a careful balance between expanding nuclear capacity and ensuring safety, transparency, accountability and public interest.
Conclusion: Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 represents a significant milestone in India’s clean energy journey. By consolidating legacy laws into a single modern framework, the government aims to unlock the full potential of nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon pillar of India’s future energy mix, reinforcing national energy security while advancing the country’s long-term climate and development goals.
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Source: PIB
