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Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

23 Jul 2025 GS 2 Constitutional Statutory & Regulatory Bodies
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) Click to view full image

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), established on November 15, 1983, is India’s apex authority for regulating nuclear and radiation safety. It was constituted by the President of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and derives regulatory powers from this Act as well as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Mission and Functions:

  • Ensure safe use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy without posing undue risk to public health and the environment.

  • Regulates and monitors nuclear installations and radiation facilities across India.

  • Administers industrial safety under the Factories Act, 1948 in units of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

  • Issues mandatory safety licenses for nuclear and radiation facilities.

Organizational Structure:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai.

  • Governed by a Board of six members:

    • Two whole-time members (including the Chairman and Executive Director).

    • Four part-time members who are eminent experts.

    • The Board is accountable to the Atomic Energy Commission.

  • Chairman holds the executive authority of AERB.

Regulatory and Support Bodies:

  • Regional Regulatory Centres (RRCs): Located in Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi, responsible for zonal surveillance.

  • Safety Research Institute (SRI): Located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, it undertakes safety-related research.

AERB plays a critical role in India’s nuclear governance by setting safety standards and ensuring compliance in all nuclear and radiation-related operations.


Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) 

Apex Body: The AEC is India’s top authority for atomic energy policy, nuclear research, and related applications.

  • Formation: Initially set up in 1948, reorganized in 1954, and finally constituted in its current form on March 1, 1958 under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

  • Supervision: Operates under the direct charge of the Prime Minister and is headquartered in Mumbai.

  • Current Chairman: Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, who is also the Secretary, DAE.

  • Key Functions:

    • Guides the DAE’s nuclear energy and research programmes for both peaceful and strategic uses.

    • Frames policies for India’s nuclear sector.

  • Composition:

    • Includes ex-officio members such as the National Security Advisor and Principal Secretary to the PM.

  • Recent Update: Newly inducted members include T.V. Somanathan and Manoj Govil as part of the AEC’s reconstitution.

  • Significance: The AEC was instrumental in expanding India’s atomic energy programme with autonomy to plan and execute national-level initiatives.



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