'Dangerous leap': Oppn sounds alarm as NDA backs pvt push in nuclear energy bill

Opposition MPs point out dangers of privatised nuclear expansion without adequate safeguards, saying SHANTI Bill ignores national interest. NDA MPs say the legislation is essential for energy security, investment, and long-term growth

- JAYANTH JACOB @ New Delhi

MoS for Science & Technology and Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh speaks in the LS

(PTI)

THE Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a sharply divided debate on the government's Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill.

While, the opposition parties warned that it opens the door to risky privatisation of a sensitive sector, the ruling coalition MPs strongly defended the legislation as essential for energy security, investment and longterm growth.

Leading the opposition charge, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the bill as a "dangerous leap into privatised nuclear expansion" undertaken without adequate safeguards. "We cannot allow the pursuit of capital to override the non-negotiable requirements of public safety, environmental protection and victim justice," he said and added that the legislation was "heavy on discretion, full of loopholes and largely indifferent to public welfare."