Sibal to UGC: Frame rules for radioactive material

Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to frame specific guidelines on procurement, use and disposal of hazardous substances by universities.

Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to frame specific guidelines on procurement, use and disposal of hazardous substances by universities.

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The move comes after radioactive material was sold as scrap by DU leading to the death of a labourer and exposure to five others.

The guidelines have to stipulate the methods for procurement, handling, storage and disposal of potentially harmful material. UGC Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat also met Sibal and discussed the issue.

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has framed certain guidelines for universities for procurement and handling of such materials. However, the UGC does not have any policy to this effect.

Sibal will also consult other ministers for a comprehensive policy of handling of hazardous material by research agencies under the respective ministries.

Exposure to the radioactive material has led to the death of a scrap shop worker in west Delhi. A few others, including the shop owner, are undergoing treatment after they were exposed to the same material earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government is now framing stricter guidelines for disposal of wastes by private hospitals in the national capital.