The SHANTI Bill and its Impact on India's Nuclear Sector

Introduction to the SHANTI Bill

The SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India) Bill is a significant legislative move aimed at opening India's nuclear power sector to private and foreign participation, historically state-controlled since 1956.

Key Provisions of the SHANTI Bill

• Private and Foreign Participation:
  • Allows private Indian companies to seek licenses to own, build, and operate nuclear power plants.
  • Permits foreign supplier participation, with a cap of 49% private ownership while maintaining 51% government control over sensitive activities.
• Public-Private Partnership Model:
  • Aims to attract private capital with government oversight in nuclear power production and management.
• Advanced Nuclear Technologies:
  • Facilitates deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and indigenous reactor designs.
• Regulatory Framework:
  • The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been granted statutory status, with responsibilities for ensuring nuclear safety and radiation protection.

Liability and Accountability

• Nuclear Liability Fund: Established to meet compensation needs in case of nuclear accidents.
• Liability Caps:
  • ₹3,000 crore for large plants of 3,600 MW capacity.
  • ₹1,500 crore for medium plants of 1,500-3,600 MW.
  • ₹100 crore for Small Modular Reactors of 150 MW capacity.
• Operator Liability Caps: Set at ₹1 crore for severe breaches, with the Union government covering costs beyond this limit.
• Supplier Accountability: Removed under the Bill, concentrating liability on the operator and government.

Objectives and Benefits

• Energy Security: Aims to diversify the power mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and expand atomic energy capacity.
• Clean Energy: Supports India's net-zero carbon emission targets for 2070.
• Infrastructure Development: Potential to revive stalled civil nuclear deals with international partners and enhance technological and economic capabilities.

Criticisms and Concerns

• Lack of Supplier Liability: Concerns over accountability in cases of nuclear accidents, drawing parallels to the Bhopal Gas tragedy.
• Overriding of RTI Act: Section 39 seeks to restrict access to nuclear sector information, raising transparency and public accountability issues.
• Worker Safety and Rights: Section 42 excludes nuclear workers from the general labor safety framework, attracting opposition from trade unions.
• Environmental and Public Consultation: Criticized for lacking provisions for mandatory public hearings and environmental impact assessments.

Conclusion

The SHANTI Bill represents a transformative approach to India's nuclear sector, seeking to blend private participation with state oversight. While promising in terms of energy security and technological advancement, it faces significant criticism regarding accountability, transparency, and public safety measures.