No bar on FDI in industries aiding N-power generation: Government

NEW DELHI: The government today said that no decision on allowing FDI in the nuclear power sector has been taken but pointed out that there is no restriction on FDI in the industries manufacturing equipment and providing supplies to atomic power plants and related facilities.

"The economic survey 2008-09 had suggested allowing FDI in nuclear power generation sector with a cap of 49 per cent. However, no decision has been taken."

"The present policy (Consolidated FDI Policy April, 2014) puts atomic energy in the list of prohibited sectors. However, there is no restriction on FDI in the nuclear industries manufacturing equipment and providing other supplies for nuclear power plants and related facilities," Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO, said in a written response in Lok Sabha today.

He added that amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 were under consideration to enable Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to enter into joint ventures for setting up nuclear power plants (NPPs).

"Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to enable the licensing of NPCIL's joint ventures for setting up NPPs are under consideration of the government," Singh said.