Emerging Challenges Faced by the ISRO

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• An analysis of the ISRO headcount from data in annual reports over the last three decades shows that ISRO’s current sanctioned strength vis-a-vis available employees is at 72% which is the lowest in recent times.

About

• The developments have revolved around unprecedented failures, slowdown of projects with top billing, fears of attrition and the emergence of nascent competition in the form of homegrown startups.
• Recent Failures and Slowdown: Back-to-back failure of the PSLV C61 and C62; delays in the realization of a first unmanned test flight G1 for the maiden Indian human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan.
• Scientists Leaving ISRO: There have been requests for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group A scientific technical personnel of ISRO including those associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan and other important projects.
  • This severely impacts implementation of projects of national importance.

Contributing Factors

• Rigid Hierarchy: Many of India’s laboratories continue to operate within rigid hierarchies that would appear strange in leading scientific institutions elsewhere in the world. 
• Switch to Private Sectors: Researchers are moving to private research organisations, emerging deep-tech companies, universities abroad, and/or international collaborations where scientific autonomy has more room than administrative strictures. 
• Low Spending on R&D: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of GDP remained between 0.6% to 0.7% which is below the global average and lower than countries like China, South Korea and the US. 
  • There is a relatively low investment by India’s private sector, accounting for only around 36%, whereas in the aforementioned countries, private sector contributions are more than 70%.
• Economic Factors: Lower salaries compared to developed countries and limited job opportunities for highly specialized skills.
• Educational and Professional Opportunities: Limited access to world-class research infrastructure.
  • Better training, exposure, and career growth opportunities abroad.
  • Preference for global higher education for advanced degrees.
• Lifestyle and Quality of Life: Better healthcare, infrastructure, and living standards abroad. It offers global recognition and networking opportunities.

Government Initiatives

• Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme: Approved with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus, this scheme aims to energise private-sector R&D and deep-tech startups.
  • It offers long-term, low- or zero-interest loans, equity investments, and funds a new Deep-Tech Fund of Funds via the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): The ANRF established in 2023, provides high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in science and technology.
  • The Foundation aims to mobilise funds amounting to ₹50,000 crore during 2023–28 through multiple streams, including the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. 
• National Geospatial Policy, 2022: It seeks to position India as a global leader in the geospatial sector by 2035.
  • The policy liberalises access to geospatial data, encouraging its use in governance, business, and research. 
• Indian Space Policy, 2023: It builds on the space reforms introduced in 2020, which opened the domain to non-governmental entities for end-to-end participation.
  • It aims to enhance space capabilities, promote a flourishing commercial space industry, and foster collaboration between public and private entities. 
• National Quantum Mission: Allocated ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023–31, to advance quantum technologies through scientific and industrial R&D.
• BioE3 Policy, 2024: It encourages the creation of Biomanufacturing and Bio-AI hubs, along with a national Biofoundry network, to accelerate technology development and commercialisation.
• National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Launched in 2015, the initiative empowers universities, research institutions, and government agencies with state-of-the-art supercomputing systems connected through the National Knowledge Network.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Established in 2021, the mission seeks to build a robust ecosystem for semiconductor and display manufacturing.
  • India has already approved 10 semiconductor projects across six states, including the first commercial Silicon Carbide fabrication facility in Odisha. 
• India AI Mission: The IndiaAI Mission embodies the vision of “Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India.”
  • It is advancing rapidly, having already increased computing capacity from an initial target of 10,000 GPUs to 38,000 GPUs, ensuring accessible AI infrastructure for startups, researchers, and industries. 
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): To foster innovation at the grassroots level by providing support to students, startups, and entrepreneurs. 

Conclusion

• India must increase administrative transparency in scientific institutions, and install robust systems to redress grievances.
• Repatriating talent is just the first step; India must create an ecosystem where brilliance can thrive, through robust institutions, academic autonomy, funding, and openness to challenging questions.

Source: IE