Centre plans changes in Atomic Energy Act

Amidst the uproar in Parliament, the UPA Government plans to approve amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 “to meet strategic objectives” and facilitate India’s accession to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material of 1980.

However, given the opposition by its Left allies, the Government has proposed that the amendment Bill be introduced in the Rajya Sabha during the next session of Parliament. Once approved by the Cabinet, it usually takes two days to introduce the Bill. The ongoing Monsoon session ends on September 14.

The delay in introducing this Bill could be because of the forthcoming dialogue between UPA members and Left allies under the recently formed committee.

The amendments, which are expected to be discussed at Thursday’s Cabinet meet, are aimed at providing “strategic strength” to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. At present, the board derives regulatory powers from the rules laid down under the Atomic Energy Act.