Nuke bill: compensation cap may yet be raised

The Government today indicated it would hold discussions with the BJP and Left parties which had opposed the Nuclear Liability Bill and did not rule out the possibility of raising the compensation cap of Rs 500 crore as envisaged.

Speaking to reporters, Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily acknowledged the opposition to the bill by Left parties, noting that they were also against the nuclear deal.

"...UPA and Congress still believe that we should have some discussions over this matter (the proposed legislation), take everybody on board and get it passed," he said.

BJP and Left parties had forced the government to decide against introduction of the bill in Lok Sabha on March 15.

The opposition parties are objecting to the compensation cap of Rs 500 crore on the operator as envisaged in the bill.

Moily said, "We have taken some view on this matter (the compensation cap). Suppose...Reasonably...After consulting everybody...It has to be increased, that is another matter. But as on today, I do not say it is (compensation cap of Rs 500 crore) unreasonable."