INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, February 28
The Bill on Safe and Peaceful Use of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials-2019, approved by the National Assembly
yesterday, stipulates provision of a powerful regulatory body for the regulation of nuclear and radioactive materials in the country.
The
bill was tabled by Minister of Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel at the upper house for consideration
As per Section 3 of the bill, ionized radiation and nuclear technology shall be used only for peaceful purpose.
&There shall be a regulatory
body to carry out regulation of nuclear and radioactive materials
However, the Government of Nepal may designate any ministry or agency to function as the regulatory body until the formation of such
mechanism,& reads the bill.
The bill has also mentioned functions, duties and power of the regulatory body
They include formulating policies, plans and programmes related to nuclear and radioactive materials, developing of standard for protection
of citizens, flora and fauna, property and environment from potential impacts of the ionized radiation; determining duties and
responsibilities of persons or institutions licensed to use nuclear and radioactive material and fixing qualification of technicians working
in licensed institution.
According to Section 6 of the bill any person or institution wishing to carry out activities related to nuclear or
radioactive materials shall have to submit an application along with necessary documents to the regulatory body for licence
&No one shall carry out the activities related to nuclear or radioactive materials without obtaining a licence,& reads Section 6
The licence obtained by a person or institution is non-transferable.
If a licensee is found to have violated the terms and conditions set
forth in the licence and the prevailing laws, the regulatory body shall revoke such a licence by giving him/her an opportunity of
defence.
As per the bill, if a person uses technology related to nuclear and radioactive power, he/she shall be imprisoned for a term
ranging from five to 10 years, along with a fine up to Rs 1.2 million
In case of death or injury of any person due to negligence and misuse of the nuclear or radioactive materials, perpetrator shall be liable
to action, in accordance with prevailing law
S/he shall also be ordered to pay the prescribed amount to the victims or their kin as compensation.
The bill envisions to help achieve the
goal of national prosperity through development of state-of-the-art technology while protecting public health and environment from nuclear
and radioactive materials
If endorsed by both houses of the Parliament, the bill will be the first law on safe and peaceful use of nuclear and radioactive materials
in the country.
Nepal had signed Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty in September-2017, during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly
It became a member of International Atomic Energy Agency in July-2008.
Nepal will not be eligible to purchase any nuclear technology without
The Government of Nepal has expressed its strong commitment to the principle of general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass
destruction, particularly chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear in compliance with safeguard frameworks of the IAEA.
The post Bill
stipulates regulatory mechanism for nuclear, radioactive materials appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
