India's pledge to resolve 'legal issues' around N-power is easier said than done, Pg11.

Key Highlights:

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced India's commitment to resolving legal issues hindering US involvement in its nuclear energy sector.
• Amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA) and the Atomic Energy Act 1962 are underway to align with global norms.
• The amendments aim to address concerns of foreign vendors regarding liability and enable private companies to participate in nuclear power plant operations.
• The proposed changes are expected to be presented in the winter session of Parliament due to pending concerns.

Detailed Insights:

• The CLNDA amendments seek to dilute Section 17 (b), which allows operators to claim recourse from suppliers for nuclear incidents, a provision seen as an impediment by foreign vendors.
• The definition of "supplier" in Rule 24 of the CLND Rules is being clarified to address concerns from domestic nuclear equipment manufacturers about potential liability.
• Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act 1962 aim to allow private companies, including potentially foreign entities, to operate nuclear power plants, currently restricted to state-owned companies.
• Aligning with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) is a key goal, as India ratified it in 2016, and the amendments will further harmonize Indian law with CSC provisions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA): Law establishing liability and compensation mechanisms for victims of nuclear accidents.
• Atomic Energy Act 1962: Legislation governing the development, control, and use of atomic energy in India.
• Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC): International convention establishing a global legal framework for nuclear liability.