Ex-minister Suresh Prabhu hails passage of nuclear liability bill

Former Union power minister Suresh Prabhu today welcomed the adoption of nuclear liability bill in the Lok Sabha, saying it would help getting latest technology from various countries.

"The country had no alternative but to adopt this bill," he said while talking to reporters.

He was here to take part in the "Electrical Summit" organised by the Federation of Gujarat Industries (FGI).

Prabhu advocated greater use of thorium for generation of nuclear power as the atomic fuel is found in abundance in the country.

He suggested constitution of an independent state electricity regulatory commission for better functioning of power utilities and keep them out of political interference.

FGI chairman Amit N Patel said the summit will discuss issues of recognition of consumer groups, differential tariff for competition, power purchase costs and reduction in electricity duty, among other things.