Parliament Question: Safeguards under SHANTI Act

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO – 6 ANSWERED ON 29/01/2026 SAFEGUARDS UNDER SHANTI ACT 6. SHRI ASHOKRAO SHANKARRAO CHAVAN Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government has enacted the SHANTI Act to open up the atomic energy sector for private participation while retaining full sovereign control over strategic nuclear assets and materials and if so, the details thereof; (b) the salient features of the Act, including the extent and nature of private sector participation permitted in the nuclear power generation sector; and (c) the safeguards provided under the Act to ensure full sovereignty of the State over nuclear materials, technology, safety, security and strategic decision-making? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a)to(c)Yes, the SHANTI Act has been enacted for the promotion and development of nuclear energy and ionising radiation for nuclear power generation, and other non-power applications, and for its safe and secure utilisation. The SHANTI Act allows private sector participation for setting up a nuclear facility, or to carry out activities for the production, use and disposal of nuclear energy under a license from the Central Government and Safety Authorization of the regulatory Board. The salient features of SHANTI Act concerning private sector are that they can participate to build, own and operate nuclear power plants; fabricate nuclear fuel; and carry out R&D in the field of nuclear science and Technology for peaceful purposes. They can also use ionizing radiation for non-power applications such as medicine, agriculture, industrial applications etc. The entities who have been granted licence from Central Government to set up nuclear facilities or to carry out activities pertaining to nuclear energy will be responsible for continuous monitoring, accounting and surveillance of the nuclear material, safe management of radioactive waste generated, radiation damages caused, payment of prompt compensation for nuclear damages to the victims of nuclear incidents, safe andsecure operation of nuclear facilities including decommissioning at the end of life cycle of a nuclear facility. The SHANTI Act also provide for the exclusive control of the Central Government over certain activities and facilities like enrichment and isotopic separation of prescribed substance , spent fuel management, production of heavy water etc. *****