Overview of the SHANTI Bill
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill was recently passed by Parliament, marking a pivotal change in India’s nuclear energy policy by introducing private sector involvement in a previously state-controlled domain.
Purpose and Legislative Changes
- The bill was introduced to repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
- It aims to remove legal restrictions that limited nuclear power generation to government entities.
- The bill's passage indicates the government's intent to expedite atomic energy expansion as part of India's energy transition strategy.
Government's Stated Objectives
- Support growing electricity needs while reducing fossil fuel dependence.
- Meet ambitious clean energy targets and enhance energy security for future decades.
Criticism and Protests
- Criticism from trade unions and engineers' organizations focuses on safety, liability, and accountability concerns.
- The All-India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) announced nationwide protests alongside central trade unions and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
- AIPEF argues the legislation weakens safety safeguards and accountability mechanisms.
Specific Concerns Raised
- The removal of the operator's statutory right of recourse against reactor suppliers is controversial. This could transfer liability from equipment manufacturers to the State and citizens in the case of nuclear incidents.
- Demands include:
- Withdrawal of the SHANTI Bill.
- Restoration of stringent liability provisions.
- Establishment of an independent nuclear regulator.
- Enhanced environmental and labor safeguards.
- Clearer parliamentary oversight on foreign participation in nuclear sectors.
Objective of Protests
The protests aim to urge the government to reconsider the SHANTI Bill and engage in broader consultations before reforming the nuclear energy legal framework.
