Page 54 - NIS English 16-31 Jan, 2026

NATION | Nuclear Energy
Myth
Reality

Myth: Nuclear energy will make electricity expensive. cancer treatment, food security, clean drinking water,
and agricultural improvements. With the new bill,
Reality: Nuclear energy provides reliable 24x7 power, nuclear energy will not only generate electricity but
and fuel costs remain stable.
also bring about widespread changes in life.
n Plants operate for 60-80 years, meaning electricity
bills will become cheaper and more stable over time. Myth: Private companies will compromise on safety.
Reality: No operator will be allowed without a
Myth: This reform is only for big industrialists.
government license, security clearance, and
Reality: The SHANTI Bill will create new opportunities mandatory insurance.
for MSMEs and startups from 2025.
n If rules are broken, the government can shut down
n Participation in the supply of thousands of components, or take control of the plant. No compromise on
innovation in AI, health, and new materials. safety.
n No need for expensive plants for research.
Myth: Nuclear energy is being privatized.
Reality: Not privatization! Government control over The SHANTI Bill will be
nuclear fuel. remembered in history as one
n The government will maintain control over safety, of the biggest science reforms
security, and monitoring of spent fuel. of the Modi government.
n Private companies will bring investment and
employment. Dr. Jitendra Singh
Myth: Nuclear energy is a threat to India’s future. Union Minister of Science

Reality: Nuclear energy reduces pollution. It reduces and Technology
dependence on coal and oil.

n It helps in the development of new
sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), artificial
intelligence (AI), and green hydrogen.
Myth: Nuclear energy is only for electricity.

Reality: Nuclear technology is also used in

The SHANTI Bill, 2025, will open up new opportu- By modernizing the legal framework and strengthen-
nities for international cooperation. International ing institutional oversight, it lays the foundation for a
cooperation will pave the way for the development more efficient, forward-looking, innovative, and safe
of nuclear reactors, while the bill provides a clear nuclear energy ecosystem. This bill will strengthen
regulatory framework for international cooperation India’s Atomic Energy Mission’s target of 100 gigawatts
in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. of nuclear power capacity by 2047. As the country
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of moves towards energy self-reliance and technological
Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI) advancement, this law can play a decisive role in
Bill, 2025, is an important step in achieving the goals accelerating the development of India’s nuclear
of the next phase of India’s nuclear energy journey. energy and the broader energy landscape. n

52 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || January 16-31, 2026