New Delhi: The Congress on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over what it described as an “aggressive privatisation agenda” in the space sector, asking why ISRO should be weakened in the name of promoting private space startups, PTI reported.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said reports published over the past few days about ISRO’s future responsibilities had triggered serious concerns about the organisation’s position in India’s space programme.
“This has raised legitimate concerns given its capacities, capabilities, and competencies built up so methodically and painstakingly over the past six decades thanks to the vision, dedication, and leadership of Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, Brahm Prakash, UR Rao, APJ Abdul Kalam, and so many other distinguished scientists and technologists,” Ramesh said on X.
ISRO was established in 1969, with Vikram Sarabhai — who played a key role in its creation — serving as its first chairman.
Ramesh alleged that the government was following an “aggressive privatisation agenda” in the space sector, similar to the policy it had adopted in the nuclear energy sector.
“The motivation is clearly coming from the PM (Narendra Modi) and his PMO itself. ISRO’s presence in rocket development and manufacture is to be severely limited and much of its satellite-related assets are to be transferred lock, stock, and barrel to private companies,” Ramesh said.
He further claimed that the government intended to hand over the country’s upcoming second spaceport in Tamil Nadu to a private company, even though the Centre was investing approximately Rs 1,000 crore in its construction.
“The Modi government will also be handing over to a private company the second spaceport coming up in Tamil Nadu for which it is investing something like Rs 1,000 crore,” the Congress leader said.
“Given the winds of change, the future of the historic Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh is itself anybody’s guess,” he said.
Ramesh said India’s space agency had earned immense respect for the country and noted that the prime minister had himself repeatedly taken credit and basked in the success of its missions.
“Space startups certainly deserve encouragement and support. But why should ISRO, which has for long had productive partnerships with the private sector, now be strangulated and emasculated? Already, in the past few months 100-120 key ISRO professionals have quit, perhaps seeing the writing on the wall,” Ramesh claimed.
He also referred to the criticism reportedly voiced by a former ISRO chairman, without naming him. The former chief had joined the BJP in October 2018 after being inspired by Prime Minister Modi, but has since expressed serious reservations about the latest privatisation initiative, Ramesh said.
“Why don’t the five other living eminent Chairmen also speak out on this vital issue?” Ramesh said.
The Congress leader also posted a recording of his September 2023 address in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the country’s progress in space research.
