Atomic Energy Act, 1962
Legal Framework for Nuclear Power
The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (Act No. 33 of 1962) is the primary legislation governing India's nuclear programme. It grants the Central Government exclusive rights to produce, develop, use, and dispose of atomic energy and all matters connected therewith. Under this Act, no private entity can own or operate a nuclear power plant — a provision that currently prevents foreign or domestic private companies from independently setting up nuclear stations. Proposals to amend the Act to allow private sector and state government participation were floated in 2025 as part of India's 100 GW nuclear ambition.
- Full name: Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (Act No. 33 of 1962; enacted September 15, 1962)
- Key restriction: Central Government has exclusive authority — private entities cannot own nuclear fuel or operate reactors independently
- Regulatory body: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) — set up under the Act for safety oversight
- AERB replacement: Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill has been discussed to make nuclear regulation independent of DAE
- Amendment proposal (2025): Amend Act to allow private sector participation to achieve 100 GW by 2047 target
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Governs compensation in case of nuclear accidents; India is not a party to the Vienna Convention but has a domestic liability framework
● Tracked since March 01, 2026 · last seen May 18, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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