ABSTRACT
India’s civil nuclear programme is marked with distinct contradictions. India began to develop its civil nuclear programme in the 1940s as the vision of the post-independence leadership in the country focused on attaining energy security to promote economic growth. Prime Minister Nehru in this regard reiterated the role of science and technology in nation building, what he famously referred to as the “temples of modern India.” A few years into the new millennium, avenues to reengage in international nuclear commerce opened up for India. India has witnessed several anti-nuclear protests over the years that have extended from hunger strikes to demonstrations. In the context of reactors performance, while units such as the ones at the Kaiga power plant have a capacity factor of about 90 per cent, and other plants have crossed 100 per cent, the newer reactors, have been facing challenges in their performances.
