In a significant move to expand India’s nuclear power capabilities, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday approved the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill through a voice vote, following its passage in the Lok Sabha the previous day.
The legislation aims to ease restrictions in the country’s closely regulated civil nuclear sector, enabling greater involvement from private entities.
During the debate, Minister of State for the Department of Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, highlighted nuclear energy as a dependable source of round-the-clock electricity, unlike certain other renewable alternatives.
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He emphasized that existing safety protocols and safeguard mechanisms would remain fully intact, with no compromises allowed.
Addressing concerns raised by members, Singh reassured the House that there have been no recorded incidents of radiation-related harm to the public to date.
The bill’s approval marks a step toward enhancing nuclear energy’s role in meeting India’s growing power demands while maintaining stringent oversight.