{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Major Reforms Proposed for India's Nuclear Sector with New Draft Rules on Licensing and Safety",
  "summary": "The Department of Atomic Energy has issued new draft rules aimed at streamlining the licensing, operation, and safety standards for nuclear power plants across the country.",
  "content": "India has taken a major step toward expanding its atomic energy infrastructure and strengthening safety standards across the nuclear power sector. The Department of Atomic Energy has published comprehensive draft rules under the Nuclear Energy for Sustainable Harnessing and Augmentation for India Transformation (SHANTI) Act, 2025. These regulations aim to modernize governance, streamline complex licensing procedures, and establish robust financial protection mechanisms in the rare event of a nuclear incident. By updating these frameworks, the government seeks to attract investment while maintaining stringent safety oversight.\n\nPeriodic Review of Civil Liability Limits\nA core element of the proposed framework involves managing liability risks for plant operators. According to the draft rules, the Central Government will constitute an expert panel every five years to review the maximum limit of an operator's civil liability for nuclear damage. Regular evaluation ensures that compensation figures remain aligned with economic changes and global safety benchmarks. This structure reassures the public that financial recourse is guaranteed while establishing clear responsibility for facility managers.\n\nRegulatory Prerequisites for Foreign Reactor Designs\nTo guard against unproven technologies, the draft rules set firm standards for imported nuclear technology. Any reactor featuring a foreign design must first receive formal certification from the official regulatory body of its country of origin. Furthermore, the specific design must already be operational either in its home country or in another nation. This dual condition guarantees that India adopts only field-tested nuclear technologies with demonstrated operational track records.\n\nIn-Principle Approval for Early Project Development\nRecognizing that nuclear power projects often encounter procedural delays, the draft regulations introduce a flexible preliminary clearance mechanism. The licensing authority can grant in-principle approval once an application is accepted, even if the exact geographic site or technology vendor has not been finalized. Securing this early clearance enables developers to begin negotiations with global technology vendors, initiate land acquisition, and set up vital preliminary infrastructure without waiting for full construction permits.\n\nUnified Single License Across the Facility Lifecycle\nIn a significant simplification of bureaucratic procedures, the draft rules propose a single comprehensive license covering the entire lifespan of a nuclear facility. This single license will govern construction, ownership, operation, and ultimate decommissioning. The draft explicitly prohibits applying for, granting, or splitting separate licenses for individual stages. Unifying these permissions under one authorization minimizes red tape while ensuring continuous regulatory accountability throughout the facility's existence.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: Expanding atomic energy capacity will strengthen the national power grid and improve long-term energy security.\n\nFor Citizens: Periodic liability reviews and strict safety norms ensure stronger public protection and guaranteed financial recourse in case of accidents.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What draft rules have been issued under the SHANTI Act 2025?\nThe Department of Atomic Energy has released draft regulations governing nuclear plant licensing, foreign technology approvals, safety oversight, and operator civil liability.\n\n2. What is the requirement for foreign reactor designs in India?\nA foreign reactor design must be certified by the regulator in its home country and must already be operational there or in another country.\n\n3. How often will operator civil liability limits be reviewed?\nThe Central Government will form an expert committee every five years to review and evaluate the maximum limit of operator civil liability for nuclear damage.\n\n4. Will separate licenses be required for different stages of a nuclear facility?\nNo, a single comprehensive license will cover construction, ownership, operation, and decommissioning of the nuclear plant.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/india-ke-paramanu-urja-kshetra-men-bare-sudhara-ki-taiyari-kendra-sarakara-ne-jari-kie-nae-laisensinga-aura-suraksha-niyama-17124",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-15",
  "tags": [
    "Nuclear Energy",
    "Department of Atomic Energy",
    "SHANTI Act 2025",
    "Nuclear Power Plant",
    "Licensing Rules",
    "Civil Liability"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}