India tightens Isro scientist exit rules amid reported exodus from key space missions

The government has tightened rules governing the resignation and voluntary retirement of scientists working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), amid concerns over a growing number of departures from key space missions.

The Department of Space (DoS) has issued an internal memorandum stating that requests from Group 'A' Scientific and Technical personnel should no longer be approved as a matter of routine, particularly for those working on strategically important projects such as Gaganyaan, India's first human spaceflight mission.

Approval powers shifted to Department of Space

The new order reverses a policy introduced in 2020, under which Isro centre directors could approve resignations and voluntary retirement requests for scientists up to the Scientist/Engineer-SG level.

Under the revised rules, heads of Isro centres will no longer have the authority to approve such requests for key personnel. Instead, all applications must be forwarded to the Department of Space along with the director's recommendations, with the final decision to be taken by the department.

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Reports point to rise in scientist exits

The move follows reports that a significant number of senior scientists and engineers have left the organisation in recent months.

According to the Times of India (TOI), around 100 to 120 Group 'A' scientists and engineers have either resigned or opted for voluntary retirement over the past few months.

Several of these departures are said to have come from teams working on major national missions.

Key Isro centres affected

The reported exits have affected some of Isro's most important research and development centres.

The U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) is said to have witnessed nearly 80 departures, including the project director of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has also reportedly seen around 20 scientists leave, including senior officials associated with the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) programme.

According to the Department of Space, the departure of experienced personnel from nationally important projects could affect the timely implementation of ongoing missions.

Private space sector attracting experienced talent

The increase in resignations comes as India's private space industry continues to expand following sectoral reforms that opened the space sector to private companies.

Several startups and aerospace firms are now competing for experienced Isro scientists, offering higher salaries and different career opportunities.

Space experts say experienced engineers and mission specialists are difficult to replace because they possess years of technical knowledge gained through complex projects.

Isro chairman says projects will continue

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has sought to play down concerns over the recent departures.

"Yes, a lot of people go, but that's part of every organisation," Narayanan told TOI.

"The move isn't only to retain people but also to ensure that important projects don't suffer all of a sudden. But if someone is still going, someone else will take responsibility. We're taking care of it," he added.

The government has also initiated steps to strengthen Isro's workforce.

Officials said a cadre review has already been approved, and recruitment is underway to fill around 1,050 vacancies across the organisation.