The SHANTI Bill, hailed by Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, is a significant science reform by the Narendra Modi government in the nuclear sector. This bill, officially known as Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, is a historic step that unlocks India’s nuclear potential for clean and sustainable energy while upholding safety and public interest standards. Dr Singh emphasized that this reform, which was unthinkable for over six decades, became a reality due to Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to align India’s policies with global best practices.
Prime Minister Modi’s third term is marked by bold structural reforms, focusing on science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Unlike previous reform phases linked to political and strategic decisions, Modi 3.0 is recognized for breaking barriers in sectors crucial for India’s technological and economic future. Dr Singh reiterated India’s commitment to peaceful nuclear use, tracing back to Dr Homi Bhabha’s vision of nuclear development for healthcare, energy security, and overall progress. The SHANTI Bill further strengthens this commitment by expanding nuclear energy for civilian purposes like power generation, medical applications, and advanced research, all while ensuring peaceful intent.
Nuclear energy is deemed essential for India’s transition to a reliable power source, especially in the face of demands from the emerging AI, quantum, and data-driven economy. As the country moves away from fossil fuels, nuclear energy is seen as crucial for sustaining advanced technologies, digital infrastructure, and strategic sectors. India’s nuclear power capacity has doubled since 2014, reaching nearly 8.7 GW, with plans to significantly increase this capacity in the coming years, aiming for around 100 GW by 2047 to support the national Net Zero commitment.
Dr Singh highlighted the expanding role of nuclear science in healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment through nuclear medicine and isotopes. Nuclear technology is increasingly contributing to life-saving medical interventions, showcasing its importance for human welfare and societal well-being. India is also progressing towards small modular reactors, tailored for urban clusters, industrial corridors, and economic zones, to enhance energy security and environmental responsibility. The SHANTI Bill has garnered wide acceptance, reflecting a national consensus on the necessity to modernize India’s nuclear sector, as part of Modi 3.0’s science-led policy decisions towards India’s development by 2047.
