Know your Ministry No. 2 - Atomic Energy

The Indian Atomic Energy Commission was first setup in August 1948 in the Department of Scientific Research, which was created a few months earlier in June 1948. The  Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)  was setup on August 3, 1954 under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order. Subsequently, in accordance with a Government Resolution dated March 1, 1958, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in the Department of Atomic Energy. DAE has been engaged in the development of nuclear power technology, applications of radiation technologies in the fields of agriculture, medicine, industry and basic Research.

It comprises five research centres, three industrial organizations, five public sector undertakings and three service organizations. It has under its aegis two boards for promoting and funding extra-mural research in nuclear and allied fields, mathematics and a national institute (deemed university). It also supports eight institutes of international repute engaged in research in basic sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, cancer research and education. It also has in its fold an educational society that provides educational facilities for children of DAE employees. 

According to the Resolution constituting the AEC, the Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Atomic Energy is ex-officio Chairman of the Commission. The other Members of the AEC are appointed for each calendar year on the recommendation of the Chairman, AEC on approval by the Prime Minster. Apart from Chairman there are  13 members including National Security Advisor, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Secretary.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC DOMAIN

1. Annual Reports of DAE: Annual Report and Audited Statements for these Institutions have been published only upto the financial year 2016-17.
2. Single Window Project-automatic License Verification-regarding: Statutory Orders and Gazette Notification Issued by the Ministries of the Government of India (Other than the Ministry of Defence) on 22nd June 2019.
3. DAE’s Magazine – Nuclear India: No publication available after Apr-June 2016 Issue.
4. Short-Notice for Public Opinion on Draft Bill to convert HBNI into an Institute of National Importance: Final Status of Short Notice for calling Public Opinion on the proposal of the Department to Convert Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), a deemed to be a University, into an Institute of National Importance through an Act of Parliament is not published.
5. Nuclear Facilities in India : Geographical Map showing Nuclear Establishments in India.
6. Chairpersons of Indian Atomic Energy Commission: Quotes of Speeches by Former Chair persons of Atomic Energy Commission at IAEA General Conference.
7. Power of the Atom - An Illustrative Presentation : Content Missing.
8. Electron Beam Accelerators for Material Processing : Junk Data

9. Tissue Bank of Tata Memorial Hospital : Junk Data

10. Nuclear Energy and Societal Development: Junk Data

PRESS RELEASE

Latest information available in respect of the laying of  foundation stone for production of Nuclear Grade Sodium at Heavy Water Plant (HWP), Baroda on 5.1.2020.

AUTONOMOUS BODIES AND AIDED INSTITUTIONS OF DAE

Following are the autonomous bodies and aided institutions under the control of Department of Atomic Energy:

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Institute of Physics (IoP),National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and Atomic Energy Education Society (AEES).

Missing Critical Links:  Following information relevant in the public domain needs publication:

1. State-wise data Quantum of Power generation and Power sharing between States.
2. Risk Assessment Matrix related to basic safety measures undertaken at Atomic plants and radiation hazards impacting health and livelihood of citizens.
3. Management of Radio-active waste and Impact on Environment.
4. Problems and Challenges Associated with Nuclear Power Plants.  
5. Data related to global accidents related to Nuclear Power Plants.