Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - The Department of Space has reportedly moved to restrict exits from ISRO after a recent wave of resignations and voluntary retirement requests from its scientific and technical staff. The action comes as the government seeks to protect key missions from losing experienced personnel.

According to the report, at least 100 scientists and engineers may have left ISRO in recent months, prompting concern within the space agency and the Centre. The new directive is said to affect Group A scientific and technical personnel, especially those working on important programmes such as Gaganyaan.

The memo reportedly tells centre heads not to process voluntary retirement or resignation requests as before. Instead, such applications are to be held back until the employee’s mission responsibilities are complete and then sent to the Department of Space for a final decision.

The change reverses the earlier arrangement under which ISRO centre directors could approve exits more directly. Officials appear to be worried that too many experienced staff members leaving at once could hurt continuity in ongoing and future missions.

The tightening of exit rules shows how seriously the government is treating the loss of trained ISRO personnel. With major projects underway, retaining skilled scientists has become a priority.