Centre to get report on Nuclear Liability Bill soon, says Prithviraj Chavan

NEW DELHI - Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan has said the Parliamentary Committee would soon give its report on the Nuclear Liability Bill to the Central Government.

On the sidelines of the National Youth Parliament Competition held here on Friday, Chavan said: “The Science and Technology Committee of Parliament is still studying the Nuclear Liability Bill. Whenever its report comes, we expect it to come soon; the Government will study it and accept its acceptable recommendations.”

“Then we will bring the Bill in Parliament for discussion,” he added.

The passage of the Bill is considered important for starting nuclear commerce between India and international community.

It also paves the way for appointment of claims commissioner and establishment of nuclear damage claims commission.

Earlier, the Government had listed the bill for introduction on March 15, but had to defer it at the last moment after it realised that it did not have the requisite numbers to see its introduction in the Lok Sabha.

In the present form, the Bill limits liability to the operator for each nuclear incident at Rs 500 crore, which is the main issue of contention. (ANI)