THE ATOMIC ENERGY ACT – 1962

An Act to provide for the development, control and use of atomic energy for the welfare of the people of India and for other peaceful purposes and for matters connected therewith. The Act came into force from 15 th September-1962. The Act prohibits the mining, sale or use of the atomic minerals without a license from the Central Government. The owners are required to maintain secrecy about the production and disposal of the prescribed minerals. Under this Act, the Central Government may acquire the sole rights to work any prescribed mineral and may also have the rights to acquire the plant, buildings, sidings etc., serving such mines or plants.

The Act provides protection and safety of workers and people dealing with radioactive material. For medical professionals dealing X-rays and radioactive drugs, this Act provides protective measures. X-rays with their potential of causing cancers, genetic mutations and congenital malformations, have to be used judiciously and with utmost safety precautions to prevent harm to patients and other who may receive radiation during diagnostic procedures. The Atomic Energy Regulation Board (AERB) has been constituted to prescribe a safety code and regulations for diagnostic X-rays units in the country. The AERB prescribe detailed safety for installation, supervision, monitoring and functioning of diagnostic X-rays units under this Act by issuing Safety Code for medical Diagnostic X-rays equipment and installation in 1986.