Union Minister for Atomic Energy Dr Jitendra Singh, while responding to a discussion on nuclear power plants in the Lok Sabha, reiterated the Government’s commitment to expansion of India’s nuclear energy sector, safety protocols and private sector participation. He highlighted the growth in reactor installations and progress in nuclear power generation in the last decade.
The recent Union Budget has announced a dedicated nuclear mission, which involves significant budgetary allocations. The budget of the Department of Atomic Energy has increased from Rs 13,879 crore before 2014 to Rs 37,483 crore this year, representing an increase of 170%.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the significant contribution of Rajasthan, which has seven of the country’s 25 operational reactors. He said a non-functional unit in the state has been revived, thereby strengthening nuclear generation.
On safety measures, the minister assured that strict protocols are in place to protect plant workers and surrounding communities. India follows a “safety first, production later” approach, which includes periodic monitoring during construction, biannual checks during operations and a comprehensive review every five years.
Additionally, a new reactor has been announced to be set up at Gorakhnagar in Haryana, marking a geographical expansion of India’s nuclear infrastructure.
India’s nuclear energy policy is moving towards greater private sector participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to open up the nuclear sector to the private sector, ensuring faster development in line with global best practices.