New Delhi: Even as the government has moved to take corrective steps, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh seems to have taken a defiant stance over mass exits from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
After 100 top scientists resigned from ISRO in the last few months, the Union minister on Thursday sought to downplay concerns.
Responding to questions about the spate of resignations drawing attention within the Space sector, Singh said there was “no controversy” surrounding the matter.
He said the departures were part of an administrative process, and personnel movement is a routine feature which did not indicate any larger issue within the country’s premier Space agency.
“Many have gone, many have come,” Singh said, adding that ISRO continues to induct fresh talent even as some employees leave.
“ISRO has a very large workforce. As people leave, many also join.”
Singh’s remarks come amid growing discussions over a number of resignations and voluntary retirements from ISRO. Questions are being raised about whether the mass exodus could affect the country’s ambitious missions, including Gaganayan.
The minister, however, dismissed such concerns.
The Department of Space earlier this week issued an internal memo directing that any resignation or VRS requests will henceforth have to be approved by the DoS.
