The parliamentary standing committee on science and technology, environment and forests looking into the controversial Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010 hopes to submit its report to the Rajya Sabha during the coming Monsoon Session, starting July 26. The parliamentary committee chaired by Congress MP T. Subbirami Reddy is expected to take up clause-by-clause consideration of the bill later this week, said sources. The bill is a key piece of legislation required to operationalise the civil nuclear cooperation pacts India has signed with several countries, particularly the US. The RS Secretariat has extended the term of the committee till July 27. The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on May 7 amid stiff opposition, was referred to the committee on May 12 which was asked to submit a report within two months.
At its next meeting, the committee will hear views of experts like former Atomic Energy Commission chairman P.K. Iyengar, strategist Brahma Chellaney, former diplomat Kanwal Sibal and legal expert Shams Khwaja.
Besides, top officials from the Department of Atomic Energy, ministries of labour, agriculture, health and family welfare and home affairs will also present their views.
The committee is understood to be of the view that the Rs 500-crore cap on compensation in case of accident needs to be enhanced substantially.