The Lok Sabha has passed the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill 2015, paving the way for nuclear energy companies, including Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), to enter into joint ventures with other public sector undertakings (PSUs).
The bill seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1962. It was passed on December 14 with a voice vote and will now be referred to the Rajya Sabha for ratification.
The new act changes the definition of a "government company" with a view to expand its scope by including such joint venture companies as may be formed between NPCIL and other PSUs.
At present, only NPCIL and Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), which are under the administrative control of Department of Atomic Energy, operate nuclear power plants in the country.
"The manner in which members of all political parties across the party-lines have come to support the amendments is a true homage to the legacy of Homi Bhabha, the founding father of India's nuclear programme and also a justification of his vision for use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," said Jitendra Singh, minister of state for atomic energy and space.
The amendments passed will enable the nuclear expansion programme "to move at a fast track and place India as a front-line nation in the world arena," he said.
The government has signed a series of agreements to secure uranium and other collaboration from different countries.
The minister said that adequate technical and cost-effective viabilities as well as safeguards are being worked out without going ahead with any new project.
