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21 Nov 2023·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceScience & TechnologyNEWS

Chidambaram Criticizes Dilution of Nuclear Safety Bill, Citing Governance Concerns

Chidambaram argues diluted Nuclear Safety Bill, while aiding Article 370, compromises good governance.

Chidambaram Criticizes Dilution of Nuclear Safety Bill, Citing Governance Concerns

Photo by Sergey Omelchenko

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has criticized the alleged dilution of the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, arguing that while it might have been politically expedient in the context of the Article 370 abrogation judgment, it is detrimental to good governance. He contended that the original bill aimed to establish an independent nuclear safety regulator, free from the influence of the Department of Atomic Energy, which also operates nuclear power plants.

According to Chidambaram, weakening this independence compromises the crucial principle of separation of powers and oversight, potentially jeopardizing nuclear safety and accountability. This critique highlights the ongoing debate about regulatory independence and its importance for robust governance in critical sectors.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

P. Chidambaram criticizes dilution of Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill

2.

Links dilution to Article 370 abrogation judgment

3.

Argues it's 'bad for good governance'

4.

Original bill aimed for independent nuclear safety regulator

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Role and independence of regulatory bodies in India

2.

Separation of powers and checks and balances in governance

3.

Nuclear energy policy and safety framework in India

4.

Accountability and transparency in critical infrastructure sectors

5.

Constitutional provisions related to atomic energy and national security

दृश्य सामग्री

Nuclear Safety Regulation: Ideal vs. Diluted Model

This flowchart illustrates the core concern raised by P. Chidambaram regarding the alleged dilution of the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill. It contrasts an ideal independent regulatory framework with the current/diluted model where the operator (DAE) retains significant influence over safety regulation, potentially compromising good governance and safety.

  1. 1.Nuclear Power Plant Operation (by NPCIL under DAE)
  2. 2.Current/Diluted Model: Regulatory Oversight (AERB under DAE's administrative control / Weakened NSRA)
  3. 3.Ideal Model: Independent Regulatory Oversight (Strong NSRA Bill)
  4. 4.Potential for Conflict of Interest & Compromised Safety (Diluted Model)
  5. 5.Enhanced Accountability & Public Safety (Ideal Model)
  6. 6.Good Governance Principles Violated (Diluted Model)
  7. 7.Good Governance Principles Upheld (Ideal Model)
और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

The debate around an independent nuclear safety regulator in India gained significant traction following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. This led to the introduction of the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill in 2011, aiming to establish a body independent of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which currently oversees both the promotion and regulation of nuclear energy. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), established under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, functions under the administrative control of the DAE, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

P. Chidambaram's recent criticism highlights the ongoing concern regarding the alleged dilution of the NSRA Bill. He argues that weakening the proposed regulator's independence compromises the crucial principle of separation of powers and oversight, potentially jeopardizing nuclear safety and accountability. The context of the Article 370 abrogation judgment is cited as a political expediency for this alleged dilution, suggesting a broader pattern of governance concerns.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding nuclear safety regulation in India: 1. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was established under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. 2. The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill, 2011, aimed to create an independent regulator separate from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). 3. Currently, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is responsible for both operating nuclear power plants and regulating their safety. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Statement 1 is correct: AERB was constituted in 1983 by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by Section 27 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. Statement 2 is correct: The NSRA Bill, 2011, was specifically introduced to establish an independent regulatory body, free from the administrative control of the DAE, addressing concerns about conflict of interest. Statement 3 is incorrect: While DAE oversees the nuclear program, the operational aspect is primarily handled by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a PSU under DAE. The regulatory function, though under DAE's administrative control, is performed by AERB, not directly by DAE itself in the sense of day-to-day regulation of its own plants.

2. In the context of regulatory bodies in India, which of the following statements best describes the principle of 'separation of powers' as advocated for an independent nuclear safety regulator?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

The principle of 'separation of powers' in the context of an independent regulator, especially in critical sectors like nuclear energy, primarily means that the entity responsible for promoting, developing, or operating the sector (e.g., Department of Atomic Energy) should not also be the one regulating its safety and compliance. This prevents a conflict of interest and ensures impartial oversight. Option A refers to federalism. Option B is a component of independence but not the core 'separation of powers' in this specific context. Option D is incorrect as regulators are typically accountable to the legislature and subject to judicial review.

3. Consider the following pairs: List-I (Regulatory Body) List-II (Sector/Function) 1. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) Nuclear Safety 2. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Capital Markets 3. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Broadcasting Services 4. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Environmental Protection How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Pair 1 is correctly matched: AERB is the primary regulatory body for nuclear safety in India. Pair 2 is correctly matched: SEBI regulates the Indian capital and securities market. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: TRAI regulates the telecommunications sector in India, including tariffs, interconnection, and quality of service. While it has some advisory role in broadcasting, the primary regulation of broadcasting content and licensing falls under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other specific bodies. Pair 4 is correctly matched: NGT is a specialized body for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.

4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in India?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Statement A is correct: The DAE functions directly under the Prime Minister of India. Statement B is correct: DAE is indeed responsible for the entire range of activities related to atomic energy, from R&D to power generation. Statement D is correct: NPCIL is a PSU under DAE. Statement C is NOT correct: While AERB, the primary nuclear safety regulator, functions under the administrative control of DAE, DAE itself is not the 'sole regulatory authority'. The AERB is the designated regulatory body, albeit with concerns about its independence from DAE.

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