Gehlot claimed that the government had failed to establish any new national institution during its 12 years in office and had instead systematically weakened organisations created under previous Congress administrations.
He said concerns raised by ISRO employees demonstrated the seriousness of the situation and claimed that the governmentā€™s approach threatened not only the institution but also Indiaā€™s scientific self-respect.
Gehlot further alleged that the Centre was selling national assets developed during the Congress era because it was unable to create comparable institutions of its own.
ISRO, however, rejected concerns that the organisation was being privatised or that its role would be reduced.
In a post on X on Sunday, the space agency said greater private-sector participation would allow it to concentrate more closely on the next generation of Indiaā€™s space programme. Industry could simultaneously expand established technologies and capabilities, it added.
With PTI inputs
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