Allow pvt players in nuclear power generation: Assocham

NEW DELHI: Industry body Assocham on Sunday said the government should take a "simple policy decision" of allowing private firms to hold minority stakes in the sensitive nuclear power generation sector.

The chamber is advocating minority stake initially as a whole hog participation of private players in the nuclear power generation would require amendments in the Atomic Energy Act of 1962.

In a paper submitted to the government, Assocham said that Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) should rope in private players with minority stake to imbibe confidence in the regulatory body, public and policy makers at large.

"Minority participation of the private sector with entity like NPCIL could be a simple policy decision as per which qualification criteria and models can be worked out in setting up parallel frameworks," it said.

"Involvement of private sector in nuclear power generation ought to be in gradual or cautious manner because of sensitivity involved in it," the chamber said.

India aims to generate 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020.