SHANTI Bill Set to Redefine India’s Science and Nuclear Reforms under Modi 3.0
Dec 28: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has described the SHANTI Bill as one of the most significant science reforms undertaken by the Modi Government, stating that it will go down in history for reshaping India’s long-term socio-economic and technological future. Speaking in a media interaction, the Minister underlined that the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, widely referred to as Modi 3.0, is marked by bold and structural reforms with science, innovation and entrepreneurship at their core.
Dr Jitendra Singh observed that while reform narratives in India have traditionally focused on governance models and welfare schemes, the defining character of a nation’s future increasingly depends on how it invests in science and technology. In this context, the SHANTI Bill represents a decisive departure from convention by placing science-led reform at the centre of national transformation.
According to the Minister, India has historically not framed scientific advancement as a reform agenda despite its far-reaching impact on industry, global competitiveness and economic growth. The SHANTI Bill, he said, corrects this long-standing gap by directly linking science with economy, industry and business, thereby shaping a new socio-economic order aligned with India’s development goals.
Placing the Bill within the broader vision of Modi 3.0, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Prime Minister’s third term will be remembered for breaking long-standing barriers in sectors critical to India’s technological and economic future. He emphasised that reforms under Modi 3.0 are not incremental but transformational, dismantling legacy taboos that had stalled progress for decades.
One of the most significant aspects of the SHANTI Bill, the Minister noted, is its impact on India’s nuclear sector. For over six decades, comprehensive reform in this area was considered inconceivable. The Bill, however, opens a new chapter by unlocking the potential of nuclear energy for peaceful, clean and sustainable growth, while maintaining uncompromising standards of safety, sovereignty and public interest.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to peaceful nuclear use, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled the vision of Dr Homi Bhabha, who had envisaged nuclear science as a tool for national development, healthcare and energy security. The SHANTI Bill, he said, strengthens this foundational philosophy by expanding civilian applications such as clean power generation, advanced research and medical technologies, while firmly excluding any deviation from peaceful intent.
Highlighting future energy demands, the Minister pointed out that emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and data-driven industries require reliable, round-the-clock power. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear energy provides stability and scale, making it indispensable as India gradually transitions away from fossil fuels and coal.
Dr Jitendra Singh also shared that India’s nuclear power capacity has doubled from around 4.4 gigawatts in 2014 to nearly 8.7 gigawatts today. With a clear roadmap in place, the government aims to scale this capacity to about 100 gigawatts by 2047. This expansion is expected to allow nuclear energy to meet nearly 10 percent of India’s electricity requirements and significantly support the country’s Net Zero commitments.
Beyond energy, the Minister highlighted the growing role of nuclear science in healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment through nuclear medicine and isotopes. These advancements, he said, underscore how atomic science has evolved into a force for human welfare and societal well-being.
Looking ahead, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that India is also moving towards Small Modular Reactors, which are well-suited for urban clusters, industrial corridors and emerging economic zones. These reactors are expected to further enhance energy security while ensuring environmental responsibility.
The SHANTI Bill, the Minister added, has received widespread acceptance from the scientific community, industry, startups and the broader innovation ecosystem. This consensus reflects a shared understanding that modernising India’s nuclear and science ecosystem is essential for achieving the vision of a developed nation by 2047, making the Bill a cornerstone reform of Modi 3.0.
