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POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
OIL & GAS MARKET

supplies to the NRS, and extend the linkages in NRS to coal consumers without any end use restrictions.
In line with the opening of the coal sector for commercial mining, which allowed allocation of coal blocks
without any end use restrictions, this policy for auction of coal linkages for NRS has been modified for
allocation of coal linkages on auction basis on long-term for any industrial use and export by adding
another window/sub-sector. Traders shall not be allowed to participate in the proposed window.

The present auction of coal linkages for the specified end-user sub-sectors in NRS (Non-Regulated Sector)
shall continue. The specified end-user (s), can also participate in this window.

The coal linkage obtained under this window shall be for own consumption, export of coal, or any other
purpose (including coal washing) except resale in the country. Coal linkage holders will be eligible to
export coal upto 50% of their coal linkage quantity. The coal linkage holders may flexibly utilize the coal
obtained under this window as per their requirement amongst its Group companies. Considering the
demand for washed coal, which would increase in future, the coal linkages to the Washery operators will
result in increased availability of washed coal in the country and consequently reduce imports. Further,
the washed coal will also find takers outside the country and therefore, the washed coal may also be used
for the purpose of export.

Rajya Sabha passes SHANTI Bill 2025, after it was passed by Lok Sabha

Following the passage of The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for
Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 by the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances,
Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh participated in an extensive discussion on the Bill in
the Rajya Sabha, clarifying key provisions, addressing concerns raised by Members, and firmly underlining
that nuclear safety, national sovereignty and public accountability remain non-negotiable.

Dr Jitendra Singh explained that the Bill consolidates and rationalises provisions from the Atomic Energy
Act, 1962, the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, and now accords statutory status to the
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, making it part of the parent legislation. This, he said, strengthens
regulatory oversight rather than diluting it, and reflects India’s commitment to global best practices in
nuclear governance.

Highlighting the changing global and technological context, Dr Jitendra Singh said that objections raised
to nuclear reforms in 2010 must be viewed in the light of today’s realities, where technology, safety
systems and global energy demands have transformed dramatically. Concepts such as Small Modular
Reactors and Bharat Small Reactors, he noted, were unimaginable fifteen years ago, but are now emerging
as safe, efficient, and flexible solutions for clean, 24×7 power generation.

Addressing safety concerns, the Minister categorically stated that nuclear safety standards remain
unchanged and uncompromised, governed by the same stringent principles enshrined in the Atomic
Energy Act of 1962- “safety first, production next.” He detailed the rigorous inspection regime, including
quarterly inspections during construction, biannual inspections during operation, five-yearly licence
renewals, enhanced powers to the now-statutory Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and oversight aligned

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