• Governing body of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under the direct charge of the Prime Minister of India.
• Established on 3 August 1948 under the Department of Scientific Research; reconstituted as “Atomic Energy Commission of India” on 1 March 1954 with enhanced powers and autonomy.
• First Chairperson: Homi J. Bhabha (1948–1966).
• Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• Organize research in atomic science and train atomic scientists within the country.
• Promote nuclear research through its own laboratories and provide financial assistance to autonomous institutes engaged in nuclear research.
• Undertake prospecting and extraction of atomic minerals for industrial use.
• Enabled significant achievements, such as India’s first underground nuclear test at Pokhran, Rajasthan on 18 May 1974.

• Membership includes a Chairperson, scientists, policymakers, and other experts appointed by the government to guide strategic direction and decision-making.
• Provides recommendations on nuclear energy policies, oversees India’s nuclear energy program, and ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborates with international organizations for peaceful nuclear energy development and security.

Operates 6 key research centers:

1. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.
2. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
3. Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
4. Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata, West Bengal.
5. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, Telangana.
6. Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP), Bahadurgarh, Haryana.

PYQ:

[2018] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.