Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, on Tuesday, expressed concerns over the delay in introducing key legislation related to nuclear energy, despite grand promises made in the 2025-26 Budget.
Taking to handle X, Ramesh questioned whether the Bills will be introduced in the Winter session, scheduled three months from now.
“When the FM presented the 2025-26 Budget, grand promises were made to give a boost to nuclear energy by amending (i) the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010; and (ii) the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to allow private companies to establish and run nuclear power plants. However, somewhat surprisingly, neither of these two Bills was even introduced in the recently concluded session of Parliament,” Ramesh said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced plans to amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to facilitate private sector participation in nuclear energy. However, the bills have not been introduced in Parliament yet, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to implementing its promises.
Ramesh emphasised the need for an independent regulatory body that is not part of the atomic energy establishment. “This becomes essential if private investment is to be encouraged,” he said. The lack of an independent regulator could undermine the safety and transparency of nuclear energy projects.
Ramesh recalled the role played by late BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj in finalising the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, with the support of the then PM Manmohan Singh. “The proposed amendments will undo what they had accomplished,” he said, highlighting the potential implications of the changes.