It is advisable to induct a small group of carefully selected personnel who have a few years of experience in conventional industry and put them through the nuclear orientation training as well as practical training in a research reactor or in a NPP. These personnel will form the technical core group for initiating the nuclear power programme in the country. This group can assist in drawing up the design specifications for the first NPP to be set up, interacting with international reactor vendors and finalizing the type and size of the NPP to be installed. Personnel of this core group will become the team leaders for the key activities during construction, com­missioning and operation of the NPP. They will in turn train their younger colleagues and thus help in creating a large cadre of well-groomed experts to manage the first NPP and the future expansion of nuclear power in the country.

7.1.1 Work discipline and safety culture

It is of utmost importance that right from the beginning a strong emphasis is laid on formal training and having well-formulated procedures in place for conduct of all activities. Further, quality assurance and careful attention to safety including industrial safety must be made an essential part of all work. These elements will aid in developing a strong work discipline and safety culture in the operating organization, as also in the regulatory body and the technical support organizations, which is so essential for the success of the nuclear power programme in the long run.