ISRO Staff Seek Clarity on Future Role Amid Privatisation Plans
In a letter dated September 4, the associations also raised questions about the agency's future role, and the consequences for serving employees and future recruitment
BENGALURU: Indian Space Research Organisation Staff Association/ISAC Employees Association among others stated they have been kept in the dark and seek an official written clarification from the Department of Space on Government policy regarding privatisation/transfer of ISRO manufacturing and operational functions, the future role of ISRO and the impact on serving employees and future generations.
In a letter addressed to Dr V. Narayan, Secretary, Department of Space/Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman ISRO, Antarisksh Bhavan, Bengaluru, the ISRP Staff Association/ISAC Employees Association sought a clarification on reported 120 technologies have already been transferred from ISRO to the private sector.
The employees stated “Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable and consistent with strategic, safety and employment consideration.”
The Association members wanted clarification also on the reported transfer already begun with SSLV (technology and production rights handed to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is proposed to be extended to PSLV and LVM3; that public sector undertaking may be excluded from the forthcoming transfer process for these vehicles; that routine satellite manufacturing is also moving out of ISRO and the operation of new launch infrastructure including Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam, is being opened to private entities.
Despite the reports drawing nationwide attention, the letter stated, they have not been accompanied by a corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees so far to explain the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing or its consequences for the existing workforce and for future recruitment.
The letter expressed fears “A progressive withdrawal of ISRO from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength and close promotion and skill-development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres.”
It stated existing employees who are working under ISROs own facilities development facilities may be rendered surplus or redeployed or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology.
The letter feared regular recruitment to group A, B and C posts are already constrained by vacancies and attrition, will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a public career honour, not as a private contractor’s workforce.