The Lok Sabha on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) took up two key legislations — the Sustainable Harnessing of Atomic Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill and the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill — during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

The House began proceedings with Question Hour, followed by the laying of papers by several ministers, including Dr Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Jitin Prasada.

The discussion comes a day after the Lok Sabha passed a Bill allowing up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector.

Replying to the debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said increased FDI would boost competition, attract more players, and make insurance more affordable, reiterating the government’s aim of “insurance for all by 2047”.

On road safety, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari cited an Indian Medical Association study, stating that at least 50,000 accident-related deaths could have been prevented with timely medical assistance.

He announced measures including a ‘Rahaveer’ award of ₹25,000 for those who help accident victims reach hospitals, insurance coverage of up to ₹2.5 lakh for initial hospitalisation, and plans for a centralised emergency number to ensure ambulances reach accident sites within 10 minutes.

The SHANTI Bill triggered sharp political exchanges. Congress MP Manish Tewari questioned the removal of the supplier’s liability clause, warning that opening the nuclear sector could favour foreign suppliers at India’s cost.

Opposing the Bill, he traced the history of India’s nuclear programme from Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Homi Bhabha to the Pokhran nuclear tests, sanctions, and the Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government. His remarks led to uproar from treasury benches.

Moving the Bill for consideration, Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, described SHANTI as a “historic” legislation, asserting that it furthers Dr Homi Bhabha’s vision of peaceful nuclear energy.

He said expanding nuclear power is essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, adding that nuclear energy offers a reliable alternative to renewables, which may not be available round-the-clock.

Meanwhile, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal urged that both the SHANTI Bill and the VB-G RAM G Bill be referred to a Standing Committee or Joint Parliamentary Committee, citing the need for detailed scrutiny.

Speaker Om Birla assured that the House would hold an exhaustive discussion, even sitting late if required. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was open to dedicating adequate time for debates as well as special discussions sought by the Opposition.