Second thoughts: N-bill introduced with 18 changes

Agencies
Bellevision Media Network

New Delhi, 25 August 2010: The nuclear liability bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha with 18 amendments. "The bill has been brought in the House with 18 amendments with the consent and consensus of various political parties and other groups," minister of state of science and technology Prithviraj Chauhan said.

 

He admitted that the Left parties still had some concerns, which the government had tried to explain to them. "A legislation that defines the responsibilities of each actor in the atomic plant is important and this bill talks about this," Chauhan said.

 

Saying that India has suffered one of the worst chemical disasters, he said victims will get compensation immediately and no litigation will be needed.

 

 

The minister said the government wantd to expand its choice to get the best deal. Chauhan clarified there was no aim to favour any one country and they were speaking to all countries that have the technology.

 

"I welcome Indian companies to come on board. I welcome foreign suppliers who may be scared that this law is too stringent," he said.

 

BJP’s Jaswant Singh countered it by alleging that India was being told by the US to pass this bill before President Barack Obama’s November visit.

 

"The nuclear issue is a very serious issue and we cannot take it with any flippancy," he said.