Nuclear energy will ensure access to clean power: Shinde

New Delhi, Aug 20 (ANI): Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has backed the Central Government over the Nuclear Liability Bill, and on Monday said the Bill would ensure access to clean energy.

"The Nuclear Bill will enable the country to get clean power. It is necessary as the availability of coal is depleting and also ash content in the coal available here is more, so through nuclear energy we will get clean power," said Shinde.

Shinde did not rule out involvement of private companies in the business of nuclear power generation, saying that for the time being, however, it would remain with the Central Government.

"No, there is no question of joint venture. It is with the Central Government only, but as the volume increases then we might have to consider other players," said Shinde.

Earlier on August 20, the Union Cabinet cleared the Nuclear Liability Bill.

The report was finalised after the government agreed to accommodate most of the concerns of the opposition BJP, including raising the compensation cap to Rs 1500 crores from Rs 500 crore.

The passage of the Bill is considered important for starting nuclear commerce between India and the international community.

Earlier, the government had listed the Bill for introduction on March 15, but had to defer it at the last moment after it realised that it did not have the requisite numbers to see its introduction in the Lok Sabha.

In the present form, the Bill limits liability to the operator for each nuclear accident at Rs 500 crore. (ANI)