Govt to help BHEL acquire nuclear tech

Anticipating resumption of nuclear fuel supplies from abroad in the wake of the Indo-US deal, the government wants Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) to get into nuclear power equipment manufacture, and is playing the role of a facilitator to help it acquire the technology for the purpose.

"Some people (nuclear power equipment companies) came and met me. We have asked them to talk to BHEL," Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Sontosh Mohan Dev said after receiving a dividend cheque of Rs 33 crore from BHEL chairman A K Puri.

The cheque for 2005-06 was the third installment of the total dividend paid by the company in the fiscal amounting to Rs 240 crore.

"Nuclear power is a safe option while other modes of power production have problems. The navratna company should get into this," he added.

Dev said his ministry was also preparing a note for the cabinet to reserve a part of contracts of mega power projects, which were being planned, for BHEL. "BHEL already has a share of 75% of the total production capacity of India and its profits are good. It is in a strong position to take on these mega projects," he said.

"The cabinet note (to reserve part of the mega power projects) will be finalised soon," Dev aded.

Dev, however, ruled out the possibility of allowing BHEL to acquire companies outside India.