ISRO Staff Bodies Raise Concerns Over Privatisation Plans
Nine associations question plans reportedly involving private firms in launch vehicle production and infrastructure operations, seeking clarity on jobs, recruitment and ISRO’s future mandate.
New Delhi, Sept 6: Nine employee associations of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have sought clarification from its Chairperson V Narayanan over remarks suggesting that the agency’s manufacturing and operational responsibilities could eventually be taken over by private companies or public sector undertakings.
In a letter dated September 4, the associations sought details on the government’s policy concerning the future role of ISRO, as well as its potential impact on existing employees, sanctioned posts and future recruitment.
The representations followed comments reportedly made by Pawan Goenka, chairperson of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), at a public event on August 21. IN-SPACe is responsible for promoting, enabling, authorising and supervising space activities undertaken by non-government entities.
Goenka was quoted as saying that ISRO would eventually stop manufacturing launch vehicles, with such activities being undertaken by private companies or public sector undertakings.
The employee bodies said the statement had raised significant questions within the organisation because they had not received any formal communication from the Department of Space outlining the policy, its legal and administrative framework, implementation timeline or implications for the workforce.
The associations maintained that greater private participation in commercial space activities could exist alongside a strong, publicly owned ISRO. However, they expressed concern over any approach that could substantially reduce the organisation’s responsibilities in building launch systems and operating critical space infrastructure.
They argued that technology developed by ISRO constitutes a national asset and that any transfer of capabilities should be carried out through a transparent and accountable process, taking into consideration strategic, safety and employment-related issues.
The employee associations have also sought specific clarification on the future of major launch vehicle programmes, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Among the issues raised is whether the design, development, realisation, integration, testing and launching of these vehicles, as well as their future successors, will remain within ISRO’s mandate or gradually move to external entities.
The associations have further questioned how such a transition, if approved, would affect the organisation’s sanctioned manpower strength and existing vacancies.
They have sought clarity on the recruitment calendar and the future induction of scientific, technical, administrative and industrial personnel across ISRO centres.
The employee bodies said employees should be informed directly about any major restructuring of the organisation rather than learning about possible changes through media reports or public statements.
The demand for clarification comes as India’s space sector expands its engagement with private companies, with the government seeking greater participation from non-government entities in commercial space activities while ISRO continues to focus on research, development and strategic space programmes.
