LS Passes Bill to Open N-Sector to Private Players, Oppn Walks Out

The Bill, which seeks to open the tightly regulated civil nuclear sector to private participation, was passed by voice vote amid a walkout by Opposition members. Dr Singh described it as a “milestone legislation” that would give a new direction to India’s development journey. “India’s role in geopolitics is expanding. To emerge as a global player, we must follow global benchmarks and strategies. As the world moves towards clean energy, India has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047,” he said.

The Opposition opposed the Bill, arguing that it diluted provisions of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which place liability on suppliers of nuclear equipment in the event of an accident.

Initiating the debate, Congress MP Manish Tewari said removing supplier liability could prove harmful in the event of a nuclear incident. He also opposed provisions relating to the repeal of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and demanded that the Bill be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny.

Former Union minister and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the Bill as a “dangerous leap into privatised nuclear expansion” without adequate safeguards. He said the pursuit of capital must not override public safety, environmental protection and victim justice, adding that the legislation was “heavy on discretion and largely indifferent to public welfare”.

BJP MP Shashank Mani supported the bill, saying it would benefit all Indians and facilitate government and private sector investment in nuclear energy, leading to employment generation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant questioned how the government would ensure that private companies maintain safety standards comparable to the public sector and called for the bill to be sent to a JPC. JD(U) MP Alok Kumar Suman stressed the need for the highest standards in licensing nuclear power plants and special provisions for radioactive waste disposal.

Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane said the government had retained special powers over radioactive safety, allowing private-sector innovation while keeping regulatory control with the state.

TMC MP Saugata Roy termed nuclear energy a “risky proposition” and urged that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee. He said the liability cap of $300 million in case of an accident was inadequate and should be raised to $500 million.