India introduces new bill to overhaul nuclear energy sector

Bill lays down new framework to optimize nuclear resources

A new bill proposing a new framework for India’s Nuclear Energy Sector was introduced today in the country’s parliament.

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 seeks to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 with a single, comprehensive law aligned with India’s present and future energy requirements.

Introduced by Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, the bill emphasises the need to harness indigenous nuclear resources more fully and enable active participation of both public and private sectors.

At the operational level, the bill lays down provisions for licensing and safety authorisation for specified persons involved in the production or use of nuclear energy, along with clear grounds for suspension or cancellation.

It also seeks to bring under regulation the use of nuclear and radiation technologies in areas such as healthcare, food and agriculture, industry and research, whilst exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing requirements.

The bill also proposes a revised and pragmatic civil liability framework for nuclear damage, confers statutory status on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and strengthens mechanisms related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness.

It provides for the creation of new institutional arrangements, including an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, designation of Claims Commissioners, and a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for cases involving severe nuclear damage, with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity acting as the appellate authority.

The proposed bill is closely linked to India’s long-term energy and climate goals. 

The Statement of Object of Reasons accompanying the bill outlines the country’s roadmap for decarbonisation by 2070 and a target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047.