'It also calls for framing the rules for private and foreign entry and for allowing up to 49 percent FDI in this sector. In the not so distant future, therefore, private utility providers would run nuclear power plants. Such plants would need human resource,' he said in the presence of AEC Chairman Anil Kakodkar and BARC Director S. Banerjee.

Ansari added that human resource occupies a critical role in the nuclear industry. The life cycle of the nuclear energy sector requires extended time horizon, technological complexity and need for excellence.

'It is said that on a 'cradle to grave' basis, nuclear activity would exceed 100 years if one were to include monitoring radioactive waste. Human resource development, therefore, must long precede the nuclear power programme and must continue after 'sunset' even if such a programme were to shutdown,' he said.

In this context, he called for proper 'knowledge management in the nuclear sector to ensure smooth and orderly transfer of technology from research institutions to industry and from public sector to private sector.'

Maharashtra Governor S.C. Jamir presided over the graduation ceremony and Kakodkar also addressed the gathering.