In a landmark move poised to reshape India's technological and energy future, the Parliament has given its final approval to the SHANTI Atomic Energy Bill, 2025. The bill, which sailed through the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, after clearing the Lok Sabha earlier, represents the most significant overhaul of the nation's atomic energy framework in decades.
A New Era for Atomic Energy and Technology
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the bill as a "transformational moment for India's technology landscape." In a social media post, he emphasized that the legislation would propel the country towards self-reliance in critical areas and unlock new frontiers in scientific innovation. The bill's core objective is to amend the six-decade-old Atomic Energy Act of 1962, modernizing it to meet contemporary challenges and opportunities.
The SHANTI Bill (which stands for 'Sustained Harnessing of Atomic Energy for National Technology & Innovation') introduces a pivotal structural change. It formally establishes the existing Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as a statutory body. This legal recognition empowers the DAE with greater operational autonomy and flexibility, enabling it to engage more dynamically with public and private sector partners for research and development.
Key Provisions and Strategic Implications
The legislation is not merely an administrative update; it is a strategic enabler. One of its most significant provisions is the creation of a robust framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the atomic energy sector. This move is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in fields such as:
- Nuclear Medicine: Boosting production of radioisotopes for cancer treatment and diagnostics.
- Clean Energy: Facilitating advanced research into next-generation reactors and fusion technology.
- Agriculture & Food Security: Enhancing radiation technology for crop improvement and food preservation.
- Industrial Applications: Promoting the use of radiation in manufacturing, waste management, and material science.
By inviting specialized private sector expertise and investment, the government aims to fast-track innovations that can have widespread societal and economic benefits. The bill also strengthens the regulatory framework to ensure that all advancements strictly adhere to the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental protection.
Driving Aatmanirbharta and Global Leadership
The passage of the SHANTI Bill is deeply aligned with India's broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). By unshackling its premier atomic research institutions, India seeks to reduce dependence on foreign technology in critical and sensitive domains. The enhanced capability for indigenous development of advanced materials, components, and systems within the nuclear fuel cycle is a key expected outcome.
Furthermore, this legislative reform positions India to play a more influential role on the global stage. With a more agile and empowered atomic energy establishment, the country can engage in high-technology collaborations from a position of strength and contribute meaningfully to global efforts in combating climate change through clean, base-load nuclear power.
The bill received widespread support during the parliamentary debate, with members acknowledging its necessity for keeping pace with rapid technological change. The government underscored that the sole purpose of the amendment is peaceful utilization of atomic energy for national development. The successful passage of the SHANTI Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter, potentially catalyzing breakthroughs that will power India's progress for decades to come.
