Nine employee associations at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have written to Chairperson V Narayanan, seeking official clarification on plans to transfer the space agency’s manufacturing and operational functions to private companies.
In a letter dated September 4, the associations raised questions about ISRO's future role, the consequences for serving employees and future recruitment.
"Private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly owned ISRO. What cannot be accepted without debate is a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&D (research and development) boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands," the letter said.
IN-SPACe Chairman Remarks Trigger Concerns
The letter highlighted August 21 remarks made by Pawan Goenka, chairperson of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which regulates various space activities of non-government entities.
Speaking at a public event, Goenka reportedly said, "Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or PSU."
The associations stated that these comments came without any official communication from the Department of Space explaining the legal basis, timeline, or impact on workers.
"Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations -- not presented to employees through newspaper reports," the letter said.
Questions Over Rocket Programs And Workforce Future
The associations raised questions regarding ISRO's operational functions and staffing levels. They asked whether the agency will continue the design, development, realisation, integration, testing, and launch of the PSLV, LVM3, SSLV, and future rockets, or if these tasks will stop.
Additionally, the letter asked how this proposed shift will impact sanctioned strength, existing vacancies, the recruitment calendar and the overall recruitment of scientific, technical, administrative, and industrial personnel across all ISRO centres.
ISRO Issues Clarification
However, ISRO on Sunday dismissed media reports regarding its future role, calling such assertions completely baseless and incorrect.
In a post on X, the space agency said, "There has been considerable reporting in parts of the media around the future role of ISRO including speculations and misinformation that there is an attempt to privatise ISRO or reduce its role. These assertions are completely baseless and incorrect."
"We wish to categorically state that ISRO will neither be privatised nor will its importance be diminished. ISRO will continue to remain India’s principal institution for advanced space research and technology development, national and strategic missions, space science and exploration, and critical and frontier space capabilities," it added.
(With Inputs From PTI)