We are looking beyond NSG for uranium: AEC chief

Nuclear power generation has gone up

Speaking to reporters after receiving the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree from the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum at Raj Bhavan here on he said, “Central Africa and few countries in Asia, could be supplying us uranium. Discussions are still on and everything is in nascent stage.” To a query on the two civilian nuclear reactors proposed to be set up in the country by US companies under the 123 Agreement, Kakodkar refused to divulge details and said a lot of work still needs to be done.  The AEC chairman did not elaborate when questioned on the reports indicating that the reactors may come up in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. However, he disclosed that generation of nuclear power in the country has gone up by 10 percent, taking the present production capacity to 55 percent.

Earlier, Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj presented the degree to Dr Kakodkar and also to Dr Thomas Kailath, Emeritus Professor, Stanford University (USA).

No priority to research

In his address, Dr Kailath lamented that Indian universities are not according priority to research and ensuring publication of research works in journals of international dispute. He lauded Infosys as one of the few companies to recognise innovation and new ideas. Minister for Higher Education and Pro-Chancellor of VTU, Aravind Limbavali and Dr H P Kincha, Vice-Chancellor were present.