The Sustainable Use and Development of Nuclear Energy to Transform India (SHANTI) Bill, passed in both houses of Parliament during the winter session, will dismantle India’s carefully constructed framework for nuclear safety and accountability and open up the most dangerous energy sector to large-scale private and foreign participation, the National Coordinating Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers and the Sama Kiysan Central Platform of NCCOEEE (NCCOEEE). (SKM) said in a joint statement here on Thursday (December 16, 2025).
They said the existing Atomic Energy Act ensures strict public scrutiny of civilian nuclear activities because of their strategic and catastrophic risks. “The SHANTI Act replaces this with a profit-driven licensing regime that opens up major segments of the nuclear value chain to private operators. This marks a decisive move towards the privatization of nuclear operations, shifting the entire burden of risk to the people and the nation,” said unions and farm organizations, and their constituents would demonstrate “draconian” at all workplaces and villages against the bill on December 23.
Privatization of electricity
The organizations are also conducting a joint campaign against the privatization of electricity and the Draft (Amendment) Electricity Bill 2025 across the country in January and February 2026. The campaign will also demand the immediate withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. Immediate halt to installation of pre-paid smart meters, withdrawal of all existing privatization or franchise models in generation, transmission and distribution namely in Chandigarh, Delhi and Odisha, immediate halt to attempts to privatize power distribution companies in Uttar Pradesh, reinstatement of strict liability provisions including operator’s right to recourse and involvement in regulation, establishment of clear control over truly independent nuclear safeguards and strategic aspects of nuclear activities are others requirements.
Published – 18 Dec 2025 22:13 IST
