India, Jan. 29 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The SHANTI Act has been enacted for the promotion and development of nuclear energy and ionising radiation for nuclear power generation, application in healthcare, food, water, agriculture, industry, research, environment, innovation in nuclear science and technology, and for robust regulatory framework for its safe and secure utilisation.
Nuclear Energy can support and provide stable, reliable, and round-the-clock power supply for large-scale data-driven research and data centres using Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, indigenous semiconductor fabrication. Nuclear energy also has vast applications healthcare, food, water, agriculture, industry, research, environment and its utilisation in Artificial Intelligence in supporting future-ready applications including advanced materials research, precision manufacturing, space technologies and industrial automation, and is crucial in fulfilling India's developmental aspirations and achieving sustainable development goals.
The key provisions of SHANTI Act provide for the implementation of security and safeguards on the nuclear material and nuclear facilities which includes continuous monitoring, accounting and surveillance.
India already has a robust system of implementation of Nuclear Safety in Nuclear Power Plants. The responsibility for ensuring the safety of civilian nuclear facilities in India lies solely with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). In order to provide statutory status to AERB, the SHANTI Act establish AERB as a regulatory body through the Act for carrying out safety oversight function. This would strengthen the legal framework for regulation of nuclear and radiation safety in the country and continue to strive highest standards of safety based on scientific approach, operating experience and best international practices. AERB inspectors are authorized to conduct regular inspections of licensed facilities to verify compliance. In cases where non-compliance is identified, AERB will provide corrective recommendations and technical guidance. In extreme situations of non-compliance, AERB holds the authority to suspend or revoke the operating license.
This information given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
