PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ENACTING NEW LAW FOR NUCLEAR SAFETY

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ENACTING NEW LAW FOR NUCLEAR SAFETY

With the Budget 2025 announcement, Government has stated The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, envisaging 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 and allowing private sector participation by amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010.

India has a robust system of implementation of Nuclear Safety in Nuclear Power Plants. Currently, the responsibility for ensuring the safety of civilian nuclear facilities in India lies solely with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). AERB is the designated authority empowered by the Government to regulate and oversee the operations of these facilities. To streamline regulation and promote uniform standards, AERB has developed a comprehensive set of safety codes, guide, and standards that all operators are required to follow. Facilities must obtain the necessary licenses from AERB to operate these nuclear installations legally. These licenses are contingent on strict adherence to the prescribed safety standards. AERB inspectors are authorized to conduct regular inspections of licensed facilities to verify compliance. In cases where non-compliance is identified, AERB provides corrective recommendations and technical guidance. In extreme situations of non-compliance, AERB holds the authority to suspend or revoke the operating license.

The Department has constituted a Task Force to look into various aspects like build, own, operation of NPPs by Private Sector, nuclear safety, security, safeguards, fuel procurement/fabrication, waste management, and decommissioning.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.