120 scientists part of ISRO's touted mission quit; Centre intervenes following mass exodus

BENGALURU: Alarm bells are ringing following the mass exodus of scientists at India's space research organisation (ISRO). The report says that around 120 scientists resigned in the last few months. The scientists who were part of important missions, including Gaganyaan, have resigned. More resignations are likely in the coming days.

The mass resignations are being attributed to the growth of India's private space sector. The report says that the crisis is due to new space startups and aerospace companies trying to acquire experienced scientists by offering high positions and attractive salaries.

Meanwhile, the report also states that the Union Department of Space has tightened the conditions for accepting resignations of scientists who are part of important missions. A new order was issued in this regard on July 14. According to the order, resignation applications of scientists will no longer be accepted easily. Earlier, the directors of various ISRO centres had the authority to accept resignation applications. But according to the new order, this authority will be annulled.

The report also said that the resignation/VRS applications of Group 'A' scientific and technical employees involved in critical missions, including Gaganyaan, will be forwarded to the Union Department of Space for final decision with the recommendation of the Directors. Meanwhile, such mass resignations also took place between 2004 and 2007. About half of the recruits resigned during this period. About 700 employees also resigned from ISRO between 2012 and 2024.