Sekhar Basu new Atomic Energy Commission chief

Mumbai, Oct 23: Renowned nuclear scientist and engineer Sekhar Basu, currently director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here, was on Friday appointed the new chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, an official statement said. Basu, 63, will also be secretary, department of atomic energy here on Friday. He succeeds R.K. Sinha, who headed the AEC for nearly three-and-half years. Started his career in the BARC' Research Engineering Division in 1975, Basu also worked as project director, Nuclear Submarine Programme and later as Nuclear Recycle Board's chief executive. Considered as an engineer of exceptional abilities, he played a lead role in multiple areas of nuclear science and engineering and is a major contributor in establishing the country as a leader in the nuclear field. Kolkata-born Basu studied at the Ballygunge Government School and later did his ME from VJTI, University of Mumbai in 1974 before joining the BARC Training School. He has been the guiding spirit behind establishing nuclear fuel cycle park involving research reactors, fuel fabrication and reprocessing facilities at the Vizag Campus of BARC and intiatied work on the design of the Indian Pressurised Water Reactor.