SHANTI Bill Among Modi Government’s Biggest Science Reforms: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the SHANTI Bill will go down in history as one of the biggest science reforms undertaken by the Modi Government, marking a decisive shift in India’s reform narrative by placing science and technology at the centre of national transformation.

In a media interaction, the Minister observed that parliamentary discourse on reforms has traditionally focused on public welfare schemes and governance measures, but India’s long-term socio-economic character will increasingly be shaped by reforms in science, innovation and technology. He said the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referred to as Modi 3.0, is distinctly characterised by bold and structural reforms with a strong emphasis on science, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr Jitendra Singh described the SHANTI Bill as a defining departure from convention, noting that India has historically not framed scientific advancement within the reform framework despite its decisive impact on future growth, industry and global competitiveness. He said the Bill must be seen as one of the most significant science reforms of the Modi Government.

Placing the legislation in the broader context of Modi 3.0, the Minister said while earlier phases of reform were associated with landmark political and strategic decisions, the current term will be remembered for breaking long-standing barriers in sectors that determine India’s technological and economic future.

Highlighting the Bill’s significance for the nuclear sector, Dr Jitendra Singh said the SHANTI Bill marks a historic reform by unlocking India’s nuclear potential for peaceful, clean and sustainable energy, while maintaining uncompromising standards of safety, sovereignty and public interest. He noted that such a reform was inconceivable for over six decades and became possible due to Prime Minister Modi’s ability to dismantle legacy taboos and align national policies with global best practices.

Reiterating India’s commitment to peaceful nuclear use, the Minister recalled that from the time of Dr Homi Bhabha, the country’s nuclear programme was envisioned for development, healthcare and energy security. He said the SHANTI Bill strengthens this philosophy by enabling expansion for civilian applications such as clean power generation, medical uses and advanced research, while firmly excluding any deviation from peaceful intent.

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined the growing importance of nuclear energy in the emerging AI-, quantum- and data-driven economy, stating that it provides reliable round-the-clock power unlike intermittent renewable sources. As India transitions away from fossil fuels and coal, nuclear energy will play a critical role in supporting advanced technologies, digital infrastructure and strategic sectors, he added.

The Minister said India’s nuclear power capacity has doubled from about 4.4 GW in 2014 to nearly 8.7 GW at present, with a clear roadmap for further expansion. The government aims to achieve around 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, enabling nuclear energy to meet nearly 10 per cent of the country’s electricity needs and support India’s Net Zero commitments.

He also highlighted the expanding role of nuclear science in healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment through nuclear medicine and isotopes, noting that atomic science today is increasingly contributing to life-saving medical interventions and societal well-being.

Looking ahead, Dr Jitendra Singh said India is moving towards Small Modular Reactors, which are suitable for dense urban clusters, industrial corridors and emerging economic zones, further strengthening energy security while ensuring environmental responsibility.

The Minister added that the SHANTI Bill has received wide acceptance across the scientific community, industry, startups and the innovation ecosystem, reflecting a broad national consensus on the need to reform and modernise India’s nuclear sector. He said the Bill exemplifies the reform-first approach of Modi 3.0, with science-led policies shaping India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.