ISRO issues memo to curb staff exodus from key missions like Gaganyaan
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued a memorandum to curb the exodus of scientists and engineers from critical national missions, including Gaganyaan. The memo, issued by the Department of Space (DoS), highlights a 'spate of requests for voluntary retirement and resignation' from Group 'A' Scientific/Technical personnel, severely impacting project implementation. It directs ISRO Centers and Units not to routinely accept such requests from personnel associated with important missions until their realization, and to forward other requests to the DoS for final decision. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, however, downplayed concerns of a manpower crisis.
Key Points
- ISRO issued a memo to address the high rate of voluntary retirements and resignations among scientific and technical staff.
- The exodus is impacting critical national missions, particularly the Gaganyaan project.
- The memo restricts the routine acceptance of resignation/retirement requests from personnel on key missions.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the movement of personnel is normal and does not constitute a manpower crisis.
Exam Facts
- Organisation: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Key mission affected: Gaganyaan.
- Memorandum issued by: S.R. Rajashekar, Joint Secretary (Personnel), Department of Space (DoS).
- As of February 2026, ISRO had a vacancy of 2,613 personnel out of 18,142 sanctioned strength.
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