Lok Sabha Passes SHANTI Bill: Opens Nuclear Sector to Private Players, Eases Liability

• Lok Sabha passed the SHANTI Bill to ease nuclear liability norms and allow private participation in atomic energy.
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated the bill addresses industry's "silent phobia" due to tough liability laws.
• The bill rationalizes operator liability with graded caps and ensures compensation via a multi-layered mechanism including a Nuclear Liability Fund.
• It aims to modernize India's nuclear framework, targeting 100 GW by 2047 and 10% nuclear power in the energy mix.
• Opposition, including Congress, walked out, raising concerns about supplier liability and urging parliamentary review.

Why It Matters: SHANTI Bill aims to boost India's nuclear energy capacity by attracting private investment and modernizing liability laws.