Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Shanti Bill will be remembered in history as one of the most significant science reforms undertaken by the Modi government.
Speaking in a media interaction, the Minister said that while parliamentary discourse has traditionally focused on welfare schemes and governance measures, a nation’s long-term socio-economic trajectory is increasingly shaped by reforms in science and technology. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, Modi 3.0, is defined by bold and foundational reforms with a strong emphasis on science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Singh said the Shanti Bill represents a decisive shift by placing science-led reforms at the core of national transformation. He described it as one of the most important science reforms of the Modi government, pointing out that despite its decisive impact on future growth, industry, and global competitiveness, scientific advancement had rarely been placed at the center of reform discourse in the past.
Placing the Bill in the broader context of Modi 3.0, the Minister said that while earlier phases of reforms were associated with historic political and strategic decisions, the third term will be remembered for removing long-standing barriers in areas critical to India’s technological and economic future.
He described the Shanti Bill as a historic reform in India’s nuclear sector, breaking a policy deadlock that persisted for over six decades and opening the door to a new era of clean energy development, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, sovereignty, and public interest. He emphasized that such a reform was previously considered unthinkable and became possible due to Prime Minister Modi’s ability to challenge entrenched orthodoxies and align Indian policies with global best practices.
Reiterating India’s long-standing commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Dr. Singh recalled that since the time of Dr. Homi Bhabha, India’s nuclear programme was envisioned for development, healthcare, and energy security. The Shanti Bill, he said, reinforces this philosophy by enabling expansion for civilian purposes such as clean energy generation, medical applications, and advanced research, while strictly preventing any deviation from peaceful intent.
Highlighting the demands of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and the data-driven economy, the Minister said that unlike renewable sources, which are intermittent, nuclear energy is indispensable for providing continuous and reliable power. As India steadily moves away from fossil fuels and coal, nuclear energy will play a critical qualitative role in sustaining advanced technologies, digital infrastructure, and strategic sectors.
Dr. Singh noted that India’s nuclear power capacity has increased from about 4.4 gigawatts in 2014 to approximately 8.7 gigawatts today, with a clear roadmap for substantial expansion in the coming years. The government aims to reach around 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, which would meet nearly 10 percent of India’s electricity requirements and significantly contribute to achieving the national net-zero target.
