About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board:
- It is India’s premier regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety.
- Background: It was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
- The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Objective: To ensure the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment.
- Headquarters: Mumbai.
- Composition:
- It comprises six members of which two are whole time members including the chairman.
- The other whole-time member is the executive director of the AERB Secretariat who is an ex-officio member of the Board.
- The other four members are eminent experts from various disciplines relevant to the mandate of the board.
- The Board shall be responsible to the Atomic Energy Commission.
- Functions of AERB:
- Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation and industrial safety areas for facilities under its purview.
- Develop Safety Codes, Guides and Standards for siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of different types of nuclear and radiation facilities.
- Grant consents for siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning, after an appropriate safety review and assessment, for establishment of nuclear and radiation facilities.
- It shall have authority to administer the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, the industrial safety for the units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
