Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)

About Atomic Energy Commission (AEC):

• It is the governing body of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India.
• AEC was first set up in August 1948 in the Department of Scientific Research, which was created a few months earlier in June 1948. 
• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up on August 3, 1954, under the direct charge of thePrime Minister through a Presidential Order. 
  • As per this order, all businesses of the Government of India related to atomic energy and to the functions of the Central Government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1948, were directed to be transacted in the DAE.
  • DAE encompasses all the areas related to power and non-power applications of atomic energy. 
  • The Department has the mandate of development of nuclear power technology which includes exploration, identification and processing of uranium resources and atomic minerals, fabrication of nuclear fuel, production of heavy water, construction and operation of nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel reprocessing and waste management. 
  • DAE is also responsible for research and development of fast reactors and fusion technologies, accelerator and laser technology, advanced electronics and instrumentation, materials science, biological sciences, etc.
  • As part of non-power applications of atomic energy, the Department carries out cutting-edge research and development for the application of isotopes and radiation technologies for health care, food & agriculture, industry, and the environment.
• Subsequently, in accordance with a government resolution dated March 1, 1958, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in the DAE.
  • The AEC is responsible for formulating the policy of the DAE.
  • The secretary to the government of India in the DAEis ex-officio chairman of the AEC.
  • The other members of the AEC are appointed for each calendar year on the recommendation of the AEC chairman and after approval by the Prime Minister.
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Q1: Who is the first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)?

Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India. He served from 1948 to 1966.

Source: ET

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