AERB

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the apex regulator for nuclear and radiological safety in India. Constituted on November 15, 1983 by an order of the Government of India under Section 27 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the AERB lays down safety standards, reviews and authorises siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities, radiation sources in medicine and industry, and radioactive waste management facilities. The Board reports to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) — and not to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the entity it regulates — an arrangement intended to provide structural independence. Yet, since the AEC is itself headed by the Secretary, DAE, the AERB's de facto independence has been repeatedly questioned. A draft Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill in 2011 sought to put the regulator on a statutory, fully independent footing, but the Bill has lapsed and not been reintroduced. AERB chairs and members are appointed by the Government of India.

• 1 Constituted November 15, 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
• 2 Reports to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), not the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• 3 Issues safety standards, licences, and regulatory inspections for all nuclear and radiation facilities
• 4 Headquartered in Mumbai; supported by the Safety Review Committee for Operating Plants (SARCOP)
• 5 Independence concerns: AEC itself chaired by Secretary, DAE — circular dependency on the regulated entity
• 6 Draft Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill, 2011 has lapsed; pending reform
• 7 Coordinates with the IAEA under the India-specific Safeguards Agreement following the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Deal

AERB is the licensing authority for the Jaitapur 9,900 MW EPR (EDF) and other Maharashtra nuclear projects within the May 2026 ₹6.5 lakh crore MoU portfolio, including Ashvini JV sites.