Small suppliers won't have obligation in case of accident:Secy

In a major relief to small suppliers in the nuclear energy sector, government will not hold them responsible if there is any accident, according to a senior official.
However, the major suppliers, for instance companies building the reactors, will not be absolved if there is any mishap.
"Suppliers (who) are involved whether it is Indian or theirs (foreign)...Then we will mention it in the contract that they will have no obligation (in case of an accident) as ultimately it is we who are designing, fabricating, construction, commissioning," Sekhar Basu, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, said today.
He was speaking at the 7th Nuclear Energy Conclave here.

Basu, who is also the Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, however, added that companies building the reactor will not be absolved under this.
The foreign companies building the reactors will have to take insurance cover of Rs 1,500 crore, additional to the same amount that Nuclear Corporation of India (NPCIL) will take.
The decision comes as a major relief to small suppliers, mostly Indian companies, which had been complaining about the stringent provisions of the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage(CLND) Act 2010, which held suppliers responsible in case of any accident.