**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary question on August 21, 2025, the Department of Atomic Energy announced plans to enact new laws bolstering nuclear safety as part of the "Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat." This mission aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047 and will involve amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010, to facilitate private sector participation in the nuclear energy sector.
Currently, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is solely responsible for ensuring the safety of civilian nuclear facilities in India. The AERB develops and enforces comprehensive safety codes, guides, and standards and issues operating licenses contingent upon strict adherence to these standards. AERB inspectors conduct regular inspections and can issue corrective recommendations, technical guidance, or, in cases of severe non-compliance, suspend or revoke operating licenses.
To address the integration of the private sector, the Department of Atomic Energy has established a Task Force. This Task Force will examine various aspects, including the build, own, and operate model for Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) by the private sector, nuclear safety, security, safeguards, fuel procurement/fabrication, waste management, and decommissioning.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, provided this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat: A government initiative aiming for 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.
Atomic Energy Act, 1962: An existing Indian law that is planned to be amended to allow private sector participation in nuclear energy.
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage CLND Act, 2010: An existing Indian law related to nuclear damage liability that may be amended.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board AERB: The designated authority in India responsible for ensuring the safety of civilian nuclear facilities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space.
Rajya Sabha: The Upper House of the Parliament of India, where a written reply was given.
Department of Atomic Energy: The Indian government department responsible for nuclear energy.
Nuclear Power Plants: Facilities that generate electricity from nuclear energy, subject to safety regulations.
Department of Atomic Energy
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ENACTING NEW LAW
FOR NUCLEAR SAFETY
Posted On: 21 AUG 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi
With the Budget 2025 announcement, Government has stated The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat,
envisaging 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 and allowing private sector participation by amending the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010.
India has a robust system of implementation of Nuclear Safety in Nuclear Power Plants. Currently, the
responsibility for ensuring the safety of civilian nuclear facilities in India lies solely with the Atomic Energy
Regulatory Board (AERB). AERB is the designated authority empowered by the Government to regulate and
oversee the operations of these facilities. To streamline regulation and promote uniform standards, AERB has
developed a comprehensive set of safety codes, guide, and standards that all operators are required to follow.
Facilities must obtain the necessary licenses from AERB to operate these nuclear installations legally. These
licenses are contingent on strict adherence to the prescribed safety standards. AERB inspectors are authorized
to conduct regular inspections of licensed facilities to verify compliance. In cases where non-compliance is
identified, AERB provides corrective recommendations and technical guidance. In extreme situations of non-
compliance, AERB holds the authority to suspend or revoke the operating license.
The Department has constituted a Task Force to look into various aspects like build, own, operation of NPPs
by Private Sector, nuclear safety, security, safeguards, fuel procurement/fabrication, waste management, and
decommissioning.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2159292)