Govt seeks comments on new nuclear licensing rules

The government has released the draft SHANTI Rules, 2026 and SHANTI Regulations, 2026, seeking public consultation on a new framework for licensing and safety in the nuclear sector. The rules, under the SHANTI Act enacted in December last year, allow operators to obtain in-principle approval before selecting a site or technology, and introduce a single composite licence for building, owning, operating and decommissioning plants. Operators must demonstrate financial, managerial and technical capabilities, and maintain insurance or financial security for nuclear damage.

The rules require reactors based on foreign designs to have design approval from the country of origin, which must have a self-reliant ecosystem and globally trusted regulatory approvals. A Nuclear Liability Fund, funded through a levy on operators, is proposed, and the Centre will review civil liability limits every five years. Uranium and thorium mining above notified thresholds remains restricted to state entities. India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, up from 8.8 GW currently.