The concern grew after Pawan Goenka, head of government space body IN-SPACE, publicly said that “eventually, ISRO will not manufacture any launch vehicles; that will be done by the private sector or PSU” and that ISRO will focus on special-purpose satellites and new technology for transfer to industry. India’s premier space agency, ISRO, is facing an internal debate. Nine employee associations representing thousands of scientists, engineers and staff have united to ask a sharp question: Is the government planning to shift ISRO’s rocket-building work to private companies?
Earlier reporting noted: In a letter dated September 4 to Isro chairman and Department of Space (DoS) secretary V Narayanan, the associations sought clarity on the government’s privatisation policy, Isro’s future role, and the consequences for serving employees and future recruitment.
They have not, however, been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce and for future public recruitment,” the letter said. This isn’t just an internal workplace argument.
The move could directly impact young job seekers and taxpayers across the country: Earlier reporting noted: ISRO staff bodies seek clarity on shift to private sector, write to chairman Six years after the government opened the space sector to private companies, nine associations representing thousands of Isro employees have sought official clarification on the proposed transfer of the space agency’s manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. Earlier reporting noted: “These statements have received wide national publicity.
End of dream ISRO jobs: If private companies take over more launch and satellite work, regular government hiring (Group A, B and C posts) could be reduced, closing doors for young engineering graduates. The employee associations have asked for clarity on how future recruitment will be affected. Workers are now demanding a clear, written policy from the Department of Space explaining whether ISRO will continue building India’s iconic rockets or if public space exploration is quietly being privatised.
What cannot be accepted without debate is a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&D 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. “Private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly owned ISRO.
