India to participate in Rs 2,500 cr thermonuclear reactor

New Delhi, July 5 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved India's participation in the Rs 2,500 crore International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

''Participation in ITER will allow India to leapfrog in terms of national technological capability in fusion energy,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that gave the approval.

The foreign exchange component of the project, calculated at base cost, will be Rs 1,129 crore.

An Empowered Board will be constituted by the Governing Council of Institute for Plasma Research with sufficient powers required for effective implementation of the project within the framework of the agreement signed among the parties to the ITER and ITER International Organisation.

The Board will frame administratively and financially sound policies and put into place procedurally transparent rules, regulations and practices in conformity with various guidelines of the Government and the Central Vigilance Commission.

It will also have powers to create posts and lay down suitable recruitment norms depending upon size and nature of activities, subject to overall sanctioned manpower requirement.

''India's joining ITER is recognition of its scientific and technical capability in fusion energy,'' Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI