Kochi, 05 January (HS): Immediately after the opening up of nuclear power sector to private enterprises, the Government of India has made a strategic decision by appointing A K Balasubhramanian, a distinguished scientist as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) with effect from 1st January 2026.

Before joining AERB, Balasubhramanian was chairman Project Design Safety Committee for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) based Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), and Member, Safety Review Committee for Operating Plants of AERB.

AERB was constituted by the President of India on November 15, 1983, by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.

The Board is entrusted with ensuring foolproof safety in the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy. The AERB is the authority that ensures the safe and secured operations of the nuclear power reactors under Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

Since private sector has been allowed entry into nuclear power generation, the spent fuel will content will see a quantum jump and it is for the AERB to control and regulate ionizing radiation. This means that the country is all set to deploy the highly radio- active isotopes in agricultural, industrial, health and infrastructure sectors.

“Balasubhramanian has nearly 40 years of experience in design, development, safety assessment, construction and commissioning of NPPs, with extensive experience in the development of ageing management strategies related to the PHWRs.

With his contributions in the design and development of a number of first of a kind (FOAK) systems with innovative design and safety features and indigenization efforts for PHWR technology, he is considered as all-round expert in reactor technology,” said the official spokesman of Department of Atomic Energy in a release.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti