AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board)

Why in news: It was in news related to Kakrapar nuclear plant reaching criticality

• The AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
• The regulatory authority of AERBis derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The Mission of the AERBis 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.
• The total number of members including the Chairman and Member-Secretary shall not exceed five. The Board shall be responsible to the Atomic Energy Commission.
  • The Board shall consist of full time and part time members. The Board shall have a full time Chairman and a full time Member-Secretary.
• The AERB shall have authority to administer the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, the industrial safety for the units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as per Section 23 of the Atomic Energy Act,1962.
• The executive functions of the AERBshall be vested in Chairman, AERB.
• The DAE will provide the necessary administrative support to the AERB in this regard to its budget, parliamentary work and establishment and acco