'Violation of nuclear safety rules to attract 5 years in jail'

NEW DELHI: Contravention of any rule under Section 17 of the Atomic Energy Act, which pertains to safety provisions, shall be punishable with imprisonment with a term of five years, while the minor lapses may attract a fine of Rs 500, the government today said.

In some cases, withdrawl of license by itself is a very severe economic penalty, Minister of State for Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said in a written response to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

"The provision of fine of Rs 500 under section 30(3) of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 is only in regard to minor administrative lapses. Special provisions pertaining to safety are provided under Section 17 (special provisions as to safety) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with both.

"Other enforcement actions ranging from written to withdrawl/suspension of consent are also available to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The withdrawl of license by itself is a very severe economic penalty and has the potential to seriously affect the financial health of the stake holder," he added.