Mumbai: Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) today (Mar 1, 2004) said the country's nuclear installations are secure and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) undertakes periodical review of the security of all its installations.

"Clandestine transfer of technology by the neighbouring country was everyone's concern in the region and we have to protect our interest and everything around us," he said.

"Our installations are very secure. Measures are in place and periodical reviews are undertaken by the department and is a matter of routine," Kakodkar told reporters after inaugurating the 15th Foundation Day celebrations of Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) in Mumbai.

"Because of our strength in security measures, even the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had requested for a training programme for its few member States by DAE and one course of training has already been completed.

"The next training programme for IAEA member States is again scheduled for anytime this year," Kakodkar said.

About the content of training programme for IAEA members, he said, "During the training, we tell them what measures are to be taken up to strengthen and maintaining security."

Asked about the recently held joint meeting of US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and AERB and other DAE officials, the AEC chairman said, "It was a sound technical exercise and a mutually beneficial discussion, which will continue.

"It is a cooperative programme initiated in 1998 and began officially from February last year," he added.