Parliament passes Civil Nuclear Liability Bill
Parliament passes Civil Nuclear Liability Bill
Parliament has passed the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Bill 2010. It provides for 1500 crore rupees of liability cap on suppliers in case of a nuclear accident and paves the way for India to have nuclear commerce with the international community. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday after rejecting the amendments through voice vote while the Lok Sabha adopted it last week. It provides for that the operator will have a right to recourse with supplier only after paying the compensation to the victims promptly.
Replying the debate on the bill the minister of state for science and technology Prithviraj Chavan asserted that one of the main objectives of this legislation is to ensure prompt payment to the victims in case of a nuclear accident. He noted that in case changes are needed in the legislation in future, government is open for it. Mr. Chavan added that the compensation of 1500 crore rupees is at par with the United States. He thanked the opposition for constructive suggestions which has made this legislation more comprehensive than it was at the time of tabling. The Minister added that the Prime Minister was keen to hold extensive discussions on this important bill of national importance and it was done taking all the stake holders on board.
Mr. Prithviraj Chavan admitted that Public Liability Insurance Law provides for low compensation of just 25 thousand rupees and this will be amended suitably. The Minister reiterated the Prime Minister’s commitment in the Lok Sabha that government is keen to strengthen the regulatory mechanism. Mr. Chavan said that the passage of this bill will open up vast opportunities for India to meet the growing energy demand and prove a booster in maintaining the tempo of growth. He added its approval marks the end of nuclear apartheid against India.
The Bill was taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha last week after government evolved a consensus on the contentious issues with the main Opposition. Immediately after the introduction of the bill in the Budget session of Parliament it was referred to the Parliamentary standing committee on science and technology. The committee after holding discussions with opposition and other stake holders recommended 18 amendments. These amendments were incorporated in the Bill after cabinet nod.
Participating in the debate on the bill, while the opposition BJP questioned the government’s objective for pushing the bill fast and called for a greater national debate on the issue was needed to discuss its pros and cons. The left Parties described the bill against the interests of the country. They also alleged that the bill is being passed under external pressure. The members of the ruling alliance supported the bill describing it a revolutionary step to meet the growing energy demand of the country and said it will open gates for India to have access to higher technology. The discussion was initiated by leader of the Opposition, Arun Jaitely. Members from CPIM, BJD, CPI,BSP, DMK,SP also participated in the discussion.
India has already signed civil nuclear pacts with several countries including France, United States and Russia. New Delhi is now holding discussions with Japan to have an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation with Tokyo. The civil Nuclear Commerce is estimated worth 150 billion dollars over the next twenty years.
