Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 26: “From Rs 13,879 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 37,483 crore in the current financial year, there has been around 170% hike in the Nuclear sector budget over the last ten years of the Modi regime”.
Click here to watch video
This information was shared in the Lok Sabha today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to nuclear energy expansion, safety protocols, and private sector participation in India’s nuclear power sector.
Responding to a parliamentary discussion on nuclear power plants, the Minister emphasized the unprecedented growth in reactor installations and advancements in nuclear energy generation over the past decade.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted Rajasthan’s significant contribution to India’s nuclear energy sector, stating that the state houses seven of the country’s 25 operational reactors. He noted that a previously non-functional unit has been revived, further strengthening the state’s nuclear output.
Additionally, the Minister announced the establishment of a new plant in Gorakhnagar, Haryana, marking a geographical expansion of India’s nuclear infrastructure beyond its traditional strongholds in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Dr Jitendra Singh also pointed to the 2017 decision by the Union Cabinet, which granted bulk approval for 10 new reactors in a single sitting-an unprecedented move in India’s nuclear history. The recent Union Budget has further bolstered the nuclear sector with the announcement of a dedicated nuclear mission, which includes significant budgetary allocations. “Before 2014, the total budget of the Department of Atomic Energy stood at Rs 13,889 crore. This year, it has expanded to Rs 23,604 crore, marking a 170% increase,” he said, underscoring the government’s focus on nuclear energy growth.
The Minister stressed that India’s nuclear energy policy is moving towards greater private sector involvement. “The Prime Minister has decided to open up the nuclear sector to private players, ensuring a larger resource pool and faster development,” he stated. This move aligns with global best practices, allowing India to enhance its nuclear power capabilities while reducing dependency on public funds. He noted that nuclear power generation capacity has increased from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW currently, while installed capacity has doubled from 4,780 MW to 8,880 MW.
On safety measures, Dr. Jitendra Singh assured the House that stringent protocols are in place to safeguard plant workers and nearby communities. He emphasized that India follows a “safety first, production next” approach, with periodic monitoring every three months during construction, biannual checks during operation, and a comprehensive review every five years. He cited a Tata Memorial study, which found that radiation-related health concerns such as birth defects and cancer prevalence around nuclear plants remain below the national average. He also stated that radiation levels in India’s nuclear plants remain significantly below the safety threshold, with a steady decline in radiation generation over the years.
With India’s nuclear energy capacity rapidly expanding and strict safety measures in place, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s vision for a robust, safe, and self-sufficient nuclear sector. “We are committed to expanding nuclear power as a clean energy source, ensuring safety, and embracing private sector participation to achieve self-reliance in nuclear technology,” he concluded.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
