MUMBAI: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not mince words when it stated that the current level of independence enjoyed by India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) left much to be desired.The IAEA has made it clear that if the AERB has to operate effectively it has to be endowed with greater independence and autonomy The global nuclear watchdog reached this conclusion following a visit by its 18-member integrated regulatory review service mission between March 16 and 27. During the visit, the international review team held discussions with India's top nuke leaders to have an understanding of the relationship with the AERB.The draft report of the mission was submitted to the government on March 27.While patting AERB on its back, which was like comparing a school teacher saying that his or her student was a good child, but was weak in studies, the visiting IAEA team has highlighted a number of flaws in the functioning of this important Indian nuclear safety board.One of the key recommendations of the visiting team is: "The government should embed the AERB's regulatory independence in law, separated from other entities having responsibilities or interests that unduly influence its decision-making. The AERB should review the implementation of its policy and existing arrangements to ensure it maintains independence in the performance of its regulatory functions.''AERB chairman, SS Bajaj, in an interaction with the media on Tuesday during which part of the recommendations were released, acknowledged that if the board's functional freedom was enhanced its credibility will increase and potential conflicts of interest will not be there.The IAEA mission has also stated that "the government should promulgate a national policy and strategy for safety, and a radioactive waste management strategy as a statement of the government's intent.''"There has also to be a balance between the licensee and the regulatory authority,'' Bajaj pointed out.Bajaj said that the bill relating to the setting up of the new nuclear safety authority in place of the AERB has lapsed. If the bill had been passed it would have led to the formation of the new nuclear safety authority with greater autonomy.The mission has also recommended that the AERB "should strengthen its management processes and increase the frequency of routine on-site inspections at nuclear power plants to allow for additional independent verification and more effective regulatory oversight.'' Bajaj said that for operating plants there were visits every six months which now have to be increased following the mission's recommendation."AERB should develop and implement its own internal emergency arrangements including detailed procedures to fulfil its emergency response role,'' the mission has recommended.Bajaj also said that the mission has suggested that the public outreach exercise to allay apprehensions and fears about nuclear energy has to improve.The AERB chairman said that at present there were 21 operating nuclear power plants in the country generating 5680 mwe of power. The second unit of the Kudunkulam atomic power plant in Tamil Nadu was in its commissioning phase and expected to attain criticality in four months.