Eminent nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar, who played a crucial role in the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, stepped down as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission on Monday. He gave his distinguished services to the Department of Atomic Energy for 45 years and also served as DAE Secretary on superannuation. He played a significant role in the Indo-US and other inter-governmental civil nuclear cooperation agreements with great negotiation skills. Mr Kakodkar is the first chairman who initiated talks about modification of Atomic Energy Act to bring in Indian private players in the energy sector.<br/>