merisarkar news service
New Delhi, August 25, 2010
India's interest not compromised: Manmohan Singh
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday has passed the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010 through the voice vote after negating some amendments moved by the opposition. The new bill includes 18 amendments moved by the government.
These include raising the liability cap of the operative from 500 crore rupees to 1500 crore rupees, the provision that the operator will have a right to recourse with the supplier only after paying the compensation to the victims for the prompt payment to them in case of a nuclear accident.
The amendments also included the change of language in clause 17 which relates to the suppliers' liability of nuclear installations in case of accidents.
The opposition was objecting to the use of word ‘intent’ of the suppliers in the clause arguing that it is very difficult to prove the intent of the suppliers to cause nuclear damage.
Replying to the bill, the Science and Technology Minister, Prithviraj Chavan assured the House that India's Nuclear Research Programme will not be compromised. It will also not give up its thorium research. He also said that India will start its own programme for building large nuclear reactors.
Earlier, intervening in the debate, the Prime Minister asserted that the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill in no way compromises the Indian interests. He said that it is a travesty of facts to say that such a bill is anti-Indian. Dr. Singh also dismissed allegations of being pro-US.
Sharing the concerns of some members that nuclear energy can be misused, Dr. Manmohan Singh admitted that utilisation of nuclear energy is a serious issue and safety must receive utmost care and attention. He said that the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board will be strengthened towards this end.
Dr. Singh said, while it is difficult to foresee what technology will throw up in future, civil nuclear energy is a viable option and India should have the option of developing it.
