Japan to have new n-regulatory panel

Tokyo, Sep 11 (IANS) The Japanese cabinet Tuesday decided to have a new nuclear regulatory commission. The decision comes a year and a half after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The new nuclear regulator will replace the current Nuclear and Industry Safety Agency supervised by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, reported Xinhua.

The new watchdog will be more independent from the government than the old agency, which has been widely criticized after the nuclear accident in March 2011.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will appoint five people as members of the nuclear regulatory commission.