Dr Jitendra Singh Tables New Nuclear Energy Bill in Parliament
Proposes unified legal framework, repeals Atomic Energy Act 1962 and Nuclear Liability Law
- Dr Jitendra Singh introduces Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025 in Parliament
- Bill seeks to repeal Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Nuclear Liability Act, 2010
- Aims to scale nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047
- Proposes new safety, licensing and liability framework
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th Dec: 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 overhaul of India’s legal framework governing the nuclear energy sector.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, replacing them with a single, comprehensive law aligned with India’s current and future energy requirements.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, sustained investment in research and development has enabled India to achieve self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle and operate its nuclear power programme in a responsible and safe manner. Building on this foundation, the government sees scope to significantly expand nuclear installed capacity to support clean energy security and ensure reliable round-the-clock power for emerging needs such as data centres and future-ready technologies.
The Bill is closely linked to India’s long-term climate and energy commitments, including the goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 and a target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047. It emphasises fuller utilisation of indigenous nuclear resources and enables active participation of both public and private sectors, while positioning India as a contributor to the global nuclear energy ecosystem.
At the operational level, the Bill provides a clear framework for licensing and safety authorisation of specified persons engaged in the production or use of nuclear energy, along with defined grounds for suspension or cancellation. It brings under regulation the use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, food and agriculture, industry and research, while exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing requirements.
The proposed legislation also introduces a revised civil liability framework for nuclear damage, grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and strengthens provisions related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness.
To address grievance redressal and compensation, the Bill proposes new institutional mechanisms, including an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, appointment of Claims Commissioners, and the creation of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for cases involving severe nuclear damage. The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity has been designated as the appellate authority.
By tabling the Bill, the government has signalled its intent to modernise nuclear governance in line with India’s energy transition, technological advancement and international obligations, while balancing expansion of nuclear power with safety, accountability and public interest.
