R.K. Sinha takes over as new AEC chairman, DAE secretary

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and senior scientist Ratan Kumar Sinha assumed charge Monday as the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

He succeeds Srikumar Banerjee, who retired after 45 years of distinguished service.

Sinha took charge from Banjerjee at a simple ceremony at the DAE headquarters here, an official said.

Banerjee, who headed the DAE for the past two-and-half years said that he left 'with a feeling of satisfaction and pride'.

He considered it 'fortunate' to have spent his professional life at DAE and emphasized the continuity of the DAE's programmes with short and long term goals for expanding the nuclear-installed capacity to make a larger contribution to the energy sector.

Emphasising the expansion of deploying other technologies being pursued by the DAE for larger societal benefits, Banerjee expressed confidence that, with the change of guard, there would not be any major deviation in the XII Plan programmes which were recently finalized.

Sinha assured that he would continue to work towards fulfilling all the expectations of the nation, with a mission of achieving the country's defined goals as fast as possible through innovation and providing additional services to society at large.

The new DAE chief added that the department has contributed to building the strength of the nation through its programmes, starting with basic research and extending to deliveries to provide national, energy, food, water and health security to the nation.