OREANDA-NEWS. August 24, 2015. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has said that India’s nuclear programme has a huge social relevance and is specifically meant for peaceful purposes. He was interacting with some of the country’s top nuclear scientists during his one day visit to India’s premier Atomic Energy plant at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, today.

Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that exactly 60 years ago in 1954, the great visionary scientist Shri Homi Bhabha had set up Bhabha Atomic Centre at Mumbai against all odds. Today, in the Diamond Jubilee year of that initiative, it is time for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the objective of “Nuclear Energy for peace and mankind” envisaged by the founding fathers of India’s nuclear mission, he added.

Reiterating the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to encourage scientific activity in all spheres, Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to important decisions regarding Uranium and exchange of technical know-how taken during Prime Minister’s various visits abroad. He said, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has a natural temper for science and takes a personal interest in follow-up of scientific programmes.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also announced the setting up of “Hall of Nuclear Energy” at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This, he said, will help in giving India’s nuclear programme a visibility in the Union Capital and also help general public to remain updated about the accomplishments of Government of India’s Department of Atomic Energy.

The government is also contemplating feasibility of Atomic Energy plants in other States like Himachal Pradesh, etc., disclosed Dr. Jitendra Singh and added that NRI nuclear scientists settled abroad would also be encouraged to return back and serve in India.

The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary DAE, Dr. S.N. Sinha, Chairman, NECL, Dr. Purohit and other senior scientists briefed Dr. Jitendra Singh about the various activities at Kalpakkam plant.