New Delhi, Aug. 30: Parliament on Monday adopted the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010, which was passed by Rajya Sabha on Monday, paving the way for Indian nuclear sector to conduct business with the world. The Bill was passed in the Upper House by voice vote after it rejected certain amendments moved by the Left parties.
The BJP supported the Bill after the government agreed to address its concerns which particularly related to suppliers’ liability. The government also reassured the House that the compensation package for victims matched that of the US.
The Bill, which is crucial for operationalisation of Indias civil nuclear deals with the US and other countries, was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 25. Mr Prithviraj Chavan, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s office, complimented Dr T. Subbirami Reddy on behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Reddy is the chairman of the standing committee that vetted the Bill.
Concluding the debate, Mr Chavan said, “This is not finality. We will take care of every suggestion. If required, the Bill will be changed for better.”