The Government has introduced stricter resignation norms for scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following reports that more than 100 scientists have resigned in recent months. The move aims to prevent disruptions to high-priority national space programmes, particularly the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and other strategic projects. The Department of Space (DoS) has issued a fresh directive requiring greater scrutiny of resignation and voluntary retirement requests from key scientific personnel involved in mission-critical activities.
New Exit Rules Require Department Approval
Under an internal memorandum dated July 14, ISRO centres have been instructed not to routinely approve resignation or voluntary retirement requests submitted by Group ‘A’ scientific and technical officers working on Gaganyaan and other critical missions. Instead, every such request will now require final approval from the Department of Space. The revised policy is designed to ensure continuity in strategically important programmes and prevent the sudden loss of highly experienced scientists during crucial project phases. Additionally, project directors and senior officials will assess whether an employee’s departure could affect mission schedules, technical expertise, or overall programme execution before forwarding the request for approval.
Over 100 Scientists Reportedly Exit ISRO
Although the Department of Space has not officially confirmed the number of resignations, media reports citing ISRO sources indicate that between 100 and 120 scientists have left the organisation over the past few months. The reported departures include approximately 80 scientists from Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) and around 20 scientists from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. Officials also suggest that the actual number could be higher as additional resignation requests remain under review.
Senior Scientists Among Those Who Left
Several experienced scientists associated with India’s flagship space missions are reportedly among those who have resigned. The list includes the SpaDeX Project Director from URSC, LVM3 Project Director Victor Joseph, and Aditya Rallapalli, a key scientist involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Their departures have raised concerns about retaining institutional knowledge during a period when ISRO is undertaking multiple high-profile missions.
Focus on Mission Continuity and Knowledge Retention
The Centre’s latest directive reflects a broader effort to preserve technical expertise accumulated over decades and ensure that major national missions continue without interruption. By introducing stricter approval procedures, the government aims to minimise the impact of sudden resignations on complex projects that require specialised knowledge, long-term planning, and experienced leadership.
ISRO Chairman Assures Smooth Transition
Responding to concerns over the resignations, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan acknowledged that several scientists have left the organisation but expressed confidence in ISRO’s ability to manage the transition. According to media reports, he stated that employee movement is a normal part of any organisation. However, the new measures are intended not only to retain talent but also to ensure that strategically important missions do not suffer unexpected setbacks. He added that responsibilities will be reassigned wherever necessary so that ongoing programmes continue without disruption.
As ISRO prepares for landmark missions, including Gaganyaan, advanced satellite launches, planetary exploration, and next-generation space technologies, retaining experienced scientific talent has become increasingly important. As reported by news24online.com, the Centre’s revised exit policy underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding India’s strategic space programme while ensuring the timely execution of critical national missions.
