SHANTI Act has been enacted for the promotion and development of nuclear energy and ionising radiation for nuclear power generation, and other non-power applications, and for its safe and secure utilisation. The SHANTI Act allows private sector participation for setting up a nuclear facility, or to carry out activities for the production, use and disposal of nuclear energy under a license from the Central Government and Safety Authorization of the regulatory Board.

The salient features of SHANTI Act concerning private sector are that they can participate to build, own and operate nuclear power plants; fabricate nuclear fuel; and carry out R&D in the field of nuclear science and Technology for peaceful purposes. They can also use ionizing radiation for non-power applications such as medicine, agriculture, industrial applications etc.

The entities who have been granted license from Central Government to set up nuclear      facilities or to carry out activities pertaining to nuclear energy will be responsible for continuous monitoring, accounting and surveillance of the nuclear material, safe management of radioactive waste generated, radiation damages caused, payment of prompt compensation for nuclear damages to the victims of nuclear incidents, safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities including decommissioning at the end of life cycle of a nuclear facility.

The SHANTI Act also provide for the exclusive control of the Central Government over certain activities and facilities like enrichment and isotopic separation of prescribed substance, spent fuel management, production of heavy water etc.

This information was given by the minister of state for personnel, public grievances and pensions and prime minister’s office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the rajya sabha today.

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NKR/NM

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