ISRO Employee Unions Seek Direct Meeting Over Privatisation Concerns

Meeting Request

Nine employee associations representing workers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have asked for a direct meeting with agency Chairperson Dr. V. Narayanan. The Joint Action Council (JAC) sent a letter on October 7 to push for talks on major topics like new privatization plans and the transfer of technology. This follows an earlier letter sent on September 4, after which Dr. V. Narayanan spoke to employees through a video conference.

Core Concerns

While the JAC acknowledged the video call, they stated that core questions regarding ISRO's future role, the policy on private handover, and staff recruitment remain unanswered. The council pointed out a statement by IN-SPACe Chairperson Pawan Kumar Goenka that ISRO will eventually stop making launch vehicles, noting that official communication from the Department of Space has not explained the policy or its consequences for the workforce. The JAC also raised internal issues such as employee stagnation after a cadre review, recruitment delays, attrition, and vigilance clearance problems linked to the Performance Related Incentive Scheme.

Context

ISRO is India's national space agency, responsible for planning and executing space research and satellite launch missions. Public sector agencies like ISRO often navigate complex shifts as governments open up sectors like space to private companies and commercial partnerships. Such policy changes typically raise questions among public service employees regarding job security, future career paths, and the long-term balance between government control and commercial operations.