Atomic Energy Bill 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha

“Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015” seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1962.

Primary cause of Amendment: to overcome difficulties encountered in the setting up of new nuclear projects and enhancement of nuclear power generation. Cause in detail: Joint-venture of companies by NPCIL with other PSUs is not feasible because the expression “government company” as defined in the existing Act means a company in which, not less than 51% of the paid-up share capital is held by the central government, which in other words, precludes a government company from entering into a joint-venture with another PSU.
Suggested Amendments:
To alter this sections amendments suggested are:
1. Amending the definition of “government company” under Clause (bb) of Sub-Section (1) of Section 2 of the said Act with a view to expand its scope to include such joint-venture companies as may be formed between NPCIL and other PSUs.
2. Amendment in Section 14 of the said Act to enable the Central Government to issue licence to such joint-venture companies to set up nuclear power plants, take measures for safe operation and ensure safe disposal of nuclear material. 
3.  Bill further provides for cancellation of licence in case the licensee ceases to be a government company.