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Bill introduces a new structure to enhance nuclear resources

A fresh legislation suggesting a new structure forIndia’s Nuclear Energy Sectorwas presented in the nation’s legislative assembly today.

The 2025 Bill for the Sustainable Use and Development of Nuclear Energy to Transform India aims to supersede the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, by introducing a unified, all-encompassing legislation that matches India’s current and upcoming energy needs.

Launched by Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, the bill highlights the importance of utilizing native nuclear resources more effectively and promoting involvement from both the public and private sectors.

At the practical level, the legislation outlines rules for granting licenses and safety approvals to designated individuals engaged in the production or application of nuclear energy, alongside specific reasons for revoking or terminating these authorizations.

It also aims to regulate the application of nuclear and radiation technologies in fields including healthcare, food and agriculture, industry, and research, while excluding research, development, and innovation activities from licensing obligations.

The legislation also introduces an updated and practical civil liability system for nuclear incidents, grants legal recognition to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and enhances procedures concerning safety, security, safeguards, quality control, and emergency readiness.

It outlines the establishment of new organizational structures, such as an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, appointment of Claims Commissioners, and a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for situations involving significant nuclear damage, with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity serving as the appeals body.

The suggested legislation is strongly connected to India’s future energy and environmental objectives.

The explanatory note related to the bill details the nation’s plan for reducing carbon emissions by 2070 and sets a goal of reaching 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2047.