The Lok Sabha today passed the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill,2015 by voice vote. The bill seeks to amend the existing legislation to overcome difficulties in setting up of new nuclear projects and enhancement of nuclear power generation. It allows the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, NPCIL to have joint ventures with other Public Sector Undertakings for establishing nuclear power plants for power generation. <br/><br/>The Bill also intends to enable the Government to issue licence to such joint-venture companies to set up nuclear power plants, take measures for safe operation and safe disposal of fissile material. The Bill further provides for cancellation of licence in case the licensee ceases to be a government company. Replying to a debate on the bill, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh that the country's nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purpose. He said, the government has set a target of generating thirteen thousand mega watt by 2020 through nuclear energy. <br/><br/>Allaying apprehension about disposing of the fissile materials, the Minister said, these radioactive materials are disposed of in a scientific manner. He also informed the House that both the units of Kudankulam project will be functional by next year.