NEW DELHI, Dec 28: The SHANTI Bill will be remembered as one of the Modi Government’s most significant science reforms, Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said in a media interview here today. The Minister observed that while parliamentary discourse on reforms has traditionally centered on public welfare schemes and governance measures, the nation’s long-term socio-economic character will increasingly be shaped by reforms in science and technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term is distinctly characterized by bold structural reforms with strong emphasis on science, innovation, and entrepreneurship, he added. The SHANTI Bill represents a defining departure from convention by positioning science-driven reform at the center of national transformation, the Minister said. Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the Bill must be viewed as one of the Modi Government’s most significant science reforms, noting that India has historically not framed scientific advancement within the reform narrative despite its decisive impact on future growth, industry, and global competitiveness. Placing the SHANTI Bill within the larger context of Modi 3.0, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Prime Minister’s third term will be remembered for breaking long-standing barriers in sectors that determine India’s technological and economic future. He highlighted that while earlier reform phases were associated with landmark political and strategic decisions, this term focuses on technological advancement. The Minister said the SHANTI Bill marks a historic reform in India’s nuclear sector, unlocking its potential for peaceful, clean, and sustainable energy while maintaining uncompromising standards of safety, sovereignty, and public interest. He emphasized that such reform was inconceivable for over six decades and became possible only due to Prime Minister Modi’s ability to dismantle legacy taboos and align India’s policies with global best practices. Reiterating India’s long-standing commitment to peaceful nuclear use, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that from Dr Homi Bhabha’s time, India’s nuclear programme was envisioned for development, healthcare, and energy security. The SHANTI Bill strengthens this foundational philosophy by enabling expansion for civilian purposes such as clean power generation, medical applications, and advanced research, while firmly excluding any deviation from peaceful intent, he said. Highlighting the demands of the emerging AI, quantum, and data-driven economy, the Minister said nuclear energy is indispensable for providing reliable round-the-clock power, unlike intermittent renewable sources. He noted that as India transitions away from fossil fuels and coal, nuclear energy will play a critical qualitative role in sustaining advanced technologies, digital infrastructure, and strategic sectors. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that India’s nuclear power capacity has doubled from approximately 4.4 GW in 2014 to nearly 8.7 GW today, with a clear roadmap for substantial scaling up in coming years. The government aims to reach around 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, enabling nuclear energy to meet nearly 10 percent of India’s electricity requirements and support the national Net Zero commitment, he said. The Minister also highlighted the expanding role of nuclear science in healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment through nuclear medicine and isotopes. Nuclear technology is increasingly contributing to life-saving medical interventions, reinforcing that atomic science today serves human welfare and societal well-being, he said. Referring to future preparedness, Dr Jitendra Singh said India is also moving towards Small Modular Reactors suited for dense urban clusters, industrial corridors, and emerging economic zones. These reactors will further strengthen energy security while ensuring environmental responsibility, he added. The Minister noted that the SHANTI Bill has received wide acceptance across the scientific community, industry, startups, and the innovation ecosystem, reflecting broad national consensus on the need to reform and modernize India’s nuclear sector. The Bill exemplifies Modi 3.0’s reform-first approach, where science-led policy decisions are shaping India’s path towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, he said.
SHANTI Bill Among Modi Government’s Major Science Reforms: Dr Jitendra
