The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of Former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Dr. Srikumar Banerjee.
- In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Dr. Srikumar Banerjee will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to Indian science, especially in the areas of atomic energy and metallurgy. He was also an outstanding mentor and institution builder. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
- Dr Srikumar Banerjee had retired as the secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy in 2012. Prior to the Atomic Energy Commission, he served as the director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
About Atomic Energy Commission
- The Indian Atomic Energy Commission was first setup in August 1948 in the Department of Scientific Research.
- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was setup on August 3, 1954 under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order. Subsequently, in accordance with a Government Resolution dated March 1, 1958, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in the Department of Atomic Energy.
- According to the Resolution constituting the AEC, the Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Atomic Energy is ex-officio Chairman of the Commission.
