One of the most significant introductions in the SHANTI Act was allowing private players to enter the operations side of the nuclear power sector, which has always been tightly guarded by the government
Budget has extended basic customs duty exemption on imports for nuclear power projects until 2035. while expanding this exemption to all nuclear plants irrespective of capacity.
India has set target of generating 100 GW nuclear power by 2047. NTPC is scouting for about 35-36 sites across the country for setting up nuclear plants.
SHANTI Bill, passed by Parliament & granted Presidential assent earlier this month, opens up nuclear sector to private players & makes key changes to liability provisions.
According to World Nuclear Association, nuclear power accounts for around 9% of global electricity generation, with over 31 countries using it to meet part of their power demands.
Govt has refused to send Bill to parliamentary panel, insisting it is necessary if India is to increase nuclear capacity. Tharoor says liability cap too low, govt hasn't learnt from Chernobyl.
SHANTI bill seeks to remove supplier’s liability clause, adding that operator’s right to recourse against supplier will now be based on what is specified in the contract.
The collusion between the new class of bureaucrats, politicians, businessmen and trade union bosses perpetuates itself partly because of the short-run benefits and partly because they see no way out of the system, wrote author MH Mody in 1980.
IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.
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