Nuclear bill in House today, proposed relief cap raised to Rs1,500 crore

A parliamentary committee looking into the controversial Nuclear Liability Bill on Tuesday recommended a three-fold hike in the compensation cap to Rs1,500 crore and addressed most of other concerns of the opposition parties except Left which gave dissent note.

The Standing Committee on Science and Technology, which finalised its report on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill 2010 that will be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, also addressed concerns over the liability of foreign supplies, which the Opposition parties were apprehending could go scot-free in the event of an accident.

The Committee suggested incorporation of a provision ‘latent’ or ‘patent defect in equipment’ in the Clause 17(B) which provides for liability in case of a nuclear accident, sources said. A provision for ‘wilful default’ and ‘negligence’ on the part of the supplier has also been added in the Clause 17(B).

These provisions, which can make even the suppliers liable for any accident, are aimed at addressing some of the main concerns of the opposition parties which have been fearing that the proposed law would allow foreign suppliers to go scot-free. 
In case of a mishap, an operator would have to pay compensation upfront, sources said.