Government calls for public consultation on nuclear liability bill

NEW DELHI - Facing fierce opposition from major political parties, the government Thursday called for “wider consultation” on the civil nuclear liability bill which fixes the maximum amount of liability in case of a nuclear accident.

The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010, has been referred to the parliament’s standing committee on science and technology headed by T. Subbarami Reddy, Rajya Sabha MP, for examination.

The parliamentary committee Thursday carried advertisements in major English dailies asking for wider consultation.

“The committee has decided to invite memoranda containing suggestions/views/comments of experts/institutions/organisations interested in the subject matter of the Bill,” it said.

“Those desirous of submitting memoranda to the committee may send their written comments within 15 days from the date of publication of the advertisement. Those who are willing to appear before the committee for oral evidence may indicate so,” it added.

The legislation makes the operator exclusively liable in case of an accident, but there is no mention of the suppliers’ liability.

However, the environment organisation Greenpeace called the public consultation on the nuclear liability bill too constrained.

“The time and space should have been much wider than what has been offered by the Standing Committee. Fifteen days of notice is not adequate enough for all the voices to be heard. Also, to do adequate justice to the geographical breadth of our country the committee should hold consultations in at least six key cities,” says Karuna Raina, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal has urged that the parliamentary panel submit its report before the monsoon session.

“The committee should give its report before the session begins. (This is) my request to them,” Bansal told IANS.

The nuclear liability bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the government on the last day of the budget session.

Bansal said the nuclear liability bill provides for payment of damages in case of an accident. “It will enable quick redressal and provide for a certain amount immediately,” Bansal said.

The passage of Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010 is essential to operationalise India’s civil nuclear deal with the US.

The bill lays down the liability of the operator at Rs.500 crore in case of an accident and a maximum amount of liability at rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights (around Rs.2,050 crore).

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Left parties have opposed the bill, saying it not only limits the liability, it also transfers a large part of the liability to the government.

The 30-member standing committee on science and technology, which has held three meetings on the bill so far, is taking views of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organisations connected with nuclear technology and ministries such as law and home.

At the standing committee meeting last week, the government withdrew an amendment, seen as a major dilution of the bill in favour of reactor suppliers.