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, proposing a comprehensive 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, unified law aligned with India’s current and future energy needs.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons attached to the Bill, India has achieved significant self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle through sustained research and development, enabling the safe and responsible operation of its nuclear power programme. Building on this experience, the government aims to substantially enhance nuclear installed capacity to support clean energy security and provide reliable round-the-clock power for emerging requirements such as data centres and other future-ready applications.
The Bill is closely linked to India’s long-term climate and energy goals, including the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and building 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047. To meet these objectives, the proposed law emphasises fuller utilisation of indigenous nuclear resources and enables greater participation of both public and private sectors, while positioning India as an active contributor to the global nuclear energy ecosystem.
At the operational level, the legislation provides for a structured framework for licensing and safety authorisation of entities involved in the production and use of nuclear energy, along with defined grounds for suspension or cancellation. It also brings the use of nuclear and radiation technologies in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, industry and research under regulatory oversight, while exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing requirements.
The Bill proposes a revised civil liability regime for nuclear damage and grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. It also strengthens provisions related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness.
