Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that India’s strict nuclear liability laws had created a sense of fear among companies, stopping them from investing in the nuclear energy sector. He described this fear as a “silent phobia” within the industry. To address these concerns and encourage private participation, the government introduced a new Bill called the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha by a voice vote. Opposition parties staged a walkout during the vote.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Singh said that earlier laws made suppliers of nuclear equipment worried about being held responsible in case of a nuclear accident. This hesitation, he said, resulted in India missing out on important global collaborations over the last decade. According to the minister, the new Bill aims to remove these fears while still ensuring safety and compensation for citizens.

The opposition, however, raised strong objections. Congress leaders argued that allowing suppliers to escape liability could put citizens at risk if a nuclear accident occurs. Responding to this, Singh clarified that the government will deal only with the nuclear operator, and it will be the operator’s responsibility to manage issues related to suppliers. He said this approach follows international standards.

Singh explained that the Bill introduces a graded system of liability for operators, based on the size of the nuclear reactor. This is meant to promote modern technologies such as small modular reactors, which are considered safer and more flexible. He added that the Bill ensures full compensation to victims through a multi-layered system, which includes operator liability, a government-backed Nuclear Liability Fund, and additional international compensation under global conventions.

The minister stressed that the SHANTI Bill does not weaken safety rules. Instead, it modernises India’s nuclear laws to match today’s technological and energy needs. Safety, security, control of nuclear material, and regular inspections will remain under strict government oversight, even if private companies participate.

Singh also called the Bill a “milestone legislation”, saying it would help India move closer to its clean energy goals. He said India aims to reach 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with nuclear energy making up around 10 per cent of the country’s total energy mix.

The opposition demanded that the Bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination. Congress leader Manish Tewari warned that removing supplier liability could be dangerous and opposed changes to existing nuclear laws. Singh responded by saying the Bill mainly updates existing laws and also gives legal status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and proposes setting up an Atomic Energy Redressal Council to resolve disputes without going to court.