New Members Inducted In Atomic Energy Commission

Pankaj Kumar Mishra also finds his name in the re-jigged AEC. He took over as Member (Finance) last year after a notification was issued on October 21 last year and published in the Gazette on January 9.

Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, continues to be the chairman of the reconstituted AEC.  

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pramod Kumar Mishra, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Somanathan and Govil are the as ex-officio members of the reconstituted AEC.

Other members of the Commission include former chairpersons of the AEC MR Srinivasan and Anil Kakodkar, former Secretary Department of Science and Technology P Rama Rao, former principal adviser DAE Ravi B Grover and former Space Commission chairman K Kasturirangan.

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Director Vivek Bhasin is also an ex-officio member of the commission.

According to the government’s scheme of things, the AEC is mandated to formulate policies related to atomic energy and ensure their implementation through the Department of Atomic Energy.

The primary role of the AEC is to enhance the governance of atomic energy in the country, while aiming to address national security concerns, promote research and development, and ensure the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy. It also plays a vital role in international collaborations and compliance with global nuclear standards.

The AEC was established in August 1948 as part of the Department of Scientific Research. The Department of Atomic Energy was constituted on August 3, 1954, under the direct supervisory authority of the Prime Minister. It was officially constituted in March 1958, through a government resolution. This historical framework has set the foundation for India’s nuclear policy development.