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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO – 1
ANSWERED ON 29/01/2026
IMPLEMENTATION CONCERNS OF SHANTI ACT
1. SHRI S.R. SIVALINGAM
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) the regulatory mechanisms Government has established under SHANTI Act to monitor
joint ventures and private firms operating nuclear reactors; and
(b) the strategy Government has adopted to counter international claims regarding potential
security lapses and unauthorized sale of radioactive materials?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) The SHANTI Act allows joint ventures and private firms for the production, use and
disposal of nuclear energy under a license from Central Government and safety
authorisation from the regulatory board. The license issued will have terms and
conditions that include provisions for the implementation of security, safeguards,
radioactive waste disposal etc. Moreover, the Safety Authorisation include provisions
for implementation of safety regulation for the safe operation of Nuclear Power Plants
under.
The licensee will also be responsible for the decommissioning of the Nuclear Power
Plant and the operator of such nuclear installations will be responsible to have sufficient
financial security for the compensation of civil nuclear damages caused by nuclear
incidents.
(b) The SHANTI Act has provisions for penalties and offences for any breach or violation
of the provisions of the Act. The offences are cognizable under the Bharatiya Nagarik
Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Regarding unauthorised removal or unlicensed use of
radioactive material, the SHANTI Act mandates penalties consisting of imprisonment,
fine or both.
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