Bhopal verdict fallout: Govt to review Nuke Bill
New Delhi: With the American bosses of Union Carbide walking free in the world's biggest industrial disaster in Bhopal, the debate over the Nuclear Liability Bill that limits responsibility of private companies in the event of a nuclear disaster, has got sharper. And now the government has given indication that the Bill, pending with Parliament Standing Committee, could be modified
Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Salman Khursheed admits that there is scope for improvement. The Bill in its present form fixes limited responsibility on private players and critics say even the compensation offered is insufficient
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday called on the government to reconsider the Bill in view of the Bhopal court verdict. "The Nuclear Liability Bill is under discussion. The government should learn proper lessons from Bhopal gas tragedy," said Prasad.
Liability Bill changes expected:
Sources say that government is likely to enhance compensation during nuke accident, could require nuke plant operators to contribute to fund and compensation could include comprehensive medical package.
However, such changes may not be easy as US may not comply with the changes.
Spokesman, US State Dept P J Crowley said, "The Indian Parliament will have to make judgment on the Nuclear Liability Bill, but this criminal case should have no relation to the liability legislation currently before the Parliament."
With public anger mounting over the Bhopal Verdict, it may become difficult for the government to reiterate its argument that the Bill doesn't compromise people's safety.
The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Bill is at present with the Parliamentary Committee headed by Subirami Reddy after being introduced in parliament last month, in the budget session. The Opposition, especially the Left, claims the Bill is a sellout to America.
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