India’s Department of Space (DoS) issues a new directive to ISRO centres regarding requests for resignation and voluntary retirement by scientific and technical personnel linked to Gaganyaan and other key missions. Multiple outlets report that the move follows a “spate of requests” for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group ‘A’ Scientific/Technical staff, affecting the delivery of national projects.
According to the directive described in the reports, ISRO centres are instructed not to accept such requests “as a matter of routine” for personnel associated with Gaganyaan and other important missions/projects. If such requests are received, even from ranks up to and including Scientist/Engineer-SG, centres are asked to forward them to the DoS with clear recommendations from the relevant centre heads or unit heads for a final decision.
The reports reference an earlier administrative arrangement from 2020 that allowed ISRO centre directors and unit heads to approve these requests up to the Scientist/Engineer-SG level, which the new directive effectively overrides. Several outlets cite media claims that about 100 to 120 scientists have exited in recent months, but ISRO does not confirm an official figure.
