1.0 Purpose and objectives
The purpose and objectives of the, inappropriately titled, SHANTI Act are:
- To enable Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs).
- To repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage
Act, 2010, and to replace them with a single, comprehensive law aligned with India’s
present and future energy requirements. - To enable entry into the Nuclear Power Industry of Indian and Foreign Private players
into erection and operation of Nuclear Power Stations with limited liability. Particularly
to induct the Adani and Tata Groups into the nuclear sector, which till now has been
the exclusive preserve of the Govt, owned. Nuclear Power Corporation of India
(NPCIL).
2.0 The SHANTI bill enacted by the Parliament without adequate scrutiny
- The SHANTI Act seeks to repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for
Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and to replace them with a single comprehensive law. Such a
serious and critical legislation was not referred to a select committee for detailed scrutiny.
Instead, it was passed under protest and walk out by the opposition.
3.0 Endangering not only lives but enforcing untold misery even on future generations
- The seriousness and criticality of such a legislation could be gauged from a simple fact that the
meltdown of a rector of 1000 MW would kill millions and enforce evacuation within 30 to 100
km bringing a halt to all economic activity. Radioactive fallout would render agriculture,
annual husbandry and fisheries impossible for years within the affected area.
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