Par panel may suggest raising nuclear liability cap

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology,Environment on Forests,chaired by T Subbirami Reddy,is examining the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill,2010 that was introduced in the Lok Sabha on May 7 amid stiff resistance from a united Opposition.

The Committee is also likely to suggest modification of Clause 35 of the Bill that seeks to exclude the jurisdiction of civil courts on matters being adjudicated by the Claim Commissioner.

A view expressed by a large section of members on limiting the purview of Bill to state-run nuclear plant operators like Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Bhartiya Nabhakiya Vidyut Nigam is also expected to be reflected in the report.

“This bill should not hold good in case private sector is an operator. Such an eventuality could be covered under a separate legislation,” a member of the Committee said.

Meanwhile,the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Thursday announced extension of the term of the Committee till July 27. The Bill was referred to the Committee on May 12 which was asked to submit a report within two months.

The Committee heard the views of the trade unions like the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh and some outfits active in the nuclear sector at its meeting yesterday.

The Committee also talked to V K Bhasin,Secretary,Legislative Affairs in the Ministry of Law and Justice over various concerns on the bill,particularly those relating to appeal in higher courts regarding inadequate compensation.

There has been an impression that the bill does not provide for appeal by victims in a court of law and the award of compensation by the Claims Commissioner would be final.

Bhasin is understood to have told the panel that there was a provision for appeal in higher courts. However,the panel favoured a clearer mention on the provision in the bill.

Environment Secretary Vijai Sharma and Additional Secretary in the Environment Ministry J M Mauskar also appeared before the Committee on Tuesday.

The bill provides for maximum liability of Rs 500 crore on the part of the operator in case of a nuclear accident.

Several parties have opposed the bill in its present form contending that the Rs 500 crore cap on liability to be paid by the operator of a nuclear plant was too little.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held on July 21-22 followed by another meeting on July 24.