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Will address issues of staff, says ISRO chief
In Short
Recalling that since the space sector reforms were rolled out six years ago, he said, "we are supposed to hand-hold the private sector, startup companies, and grow the space ecosystem."
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ISRO chief V Narayanan
Bengaluru: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Monday said the space agency remains a government organisation and dismissed concerns over its privatisation, saying it is working with private companies and startups to expand India's space ecosystem.
His reaction came after nine employee associations at ISRO wrote to the Chairman on September 4, seeking official clarification on the proposed transfer of its manufacturing and operational functions to private entities.
Speaking to reporters after the inaugural ceremony of the ninth edition of the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) here, Narayanan said India's space programme is about 64-65 years old, and that at present there are 56 space assets in the sky serving the common man of the country, but the need is huge numbers.
Recalling that since the space sector reforms were rolled out six years ago, he said, "we are supposed to hand-hold the private sector, startup companies, and grow the space ecosystem."
"In fact, whenever a PSLV or a GSLV is lifting off, almost 80 per cent budget is invested in Indian industries. A total of 450 industries are working for us," he said.
On the concerns raised by the employee associations, Narayanan said, "So, surely, my colleagues, whatever they have, is a genuine concern. It is our responsibility to clarify."
He clarified that ISRO is not privatised and remains a government organisation. "We are working -- it's a government investment, and we are working there. But the only thing is, we now (have) so many activities. The space ecosystem in the country has to grow and the space economy has to grow," he said.
Responding to a question about different voices within ISRO raising concerns, Narayanan said, "We are 20,000 employees...we will address the employees."
He further added that ISRO has a system and it regularly talks to its employees.
When asked about scientists resigning from ISRO, he said the space agency has 20,000 employees with over 8,000 scientists.
"In the last five-six years, if you take the statistics, somewhere around 150 people per year have resigned. This is normal in any organisation," he said.
