CAG conclusion of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board incorrect, says former AERB official

NEW DELHI: The government auditor has drawn erroneous conclusion that the nuclear regulator can slap fines up to a maximum of Rs 500 for violations related to nuclear and radiation facilities, a former AERB official has said.

"The recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General ( CAG) on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) incorrectly interpreted provisions regarding fines in the Atomic Energy Act," K S Parthasarathy, a former Secretary, AERB told PTI.

The CAG report had stated that the maximum amount of fines (up to Rs 500) were too low to serve as deterrents against offences and contraventions related to nuclear and radiation facilities which involve substantial risks.

"This conclusion is wrong; safety violations of the Atomic Energy Act are punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both," Parthasarathy said.

"Rules made under this Act may provide that a contravention of the rules shall, save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, be punishable with fine, which may extend to five hundred rupees," reads sub-section 30(3) of the Atomic Energy Act.

Parthasarathy said an initial reading of the Act may give an impression that the fine the regulator can impose is a maximum of Rs 500.

He pointed out that sub-section 30(3) clearly states "otherwise expressly provided in this Act".

"Section 24 has expressly made provisions for just and reasonable punishment for serious violations. Section 30(3) appears to refer to minor administrative lapses. Such provisions are available in most of the Acts," he said.