ISRO’s lower salaries vs. private sector boom: A wake-up call for govt action

A recent social media post on X has ignited a heated discussion about the wage gap between India’s premier space agency, ISRO, and private giants like TCS, raising concerns over talent retention. The controversy erupted after a tweet by Venkatesh Alla on June 12, reminding the government for losing bright minds to private firms due to inadequate pay. He urged authorities to redirect public funds from subsidies to bolstering research, innovation, and institutions like ISRO to prevent a domestic brain drain.

When brilliant minds choose TCS over ISRO just because of salary, it’s a wake-up call for the Govt.

Stop pouring taxpayer money into freebies & hollow yojanas.
Start investing in talent, research, innovation & institutions like ISRO before brain drain starts at home. 🇮🇳💔 pic.twitter.com/mqxpz5LASc

— Venkatesh Alla (@venkat_fin9)

When brilliant minds choose TCS over ISRO just because of salary, it’s a wake-up call for the Govt.

Stop pouring taxpayer money into freebies & hollow yojanas.
Start investing in talent, research, innovation & institutions like ISRO before brain drain starts at home. 🇮🇳💔 pic.twitter.com/mqxpz5LASc

— Venkatesh Alla (@venkat_fin9) June 12, 2025

">June 12, 2025

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The debate gained traction with a response from Radhika Chaudhary, who shared a personal story. Her brother, a mechanical engineering graduate from NIT Bhopal, was offered Rs 4.8 lakh annually by ISRO but chose TCS’s Rs 9 lakh package instead. Her post, which has garnered over 9,000 views since June 11, highlights a growing trend where young professionals prioritize lucrative private sector jobs over public sector roles, even those with national significance.

Experts view this as a wake-up call for the government, noting that ISRO’s modest salaries struggle to compete with the financial incentives of IT companies. The disparity has led to fears that India’s space ambitions could suffer if skilled engineers opt for corporate careers. Social media reactions vary, with some supporting Alla’s call for investment in talent, while others argue for a balance between public funding and private growth.

The government has yet to respond officially, but the issue underscores a broader challenge in retaining scientific expertise. As India pushes for advancements in space technology, stakeholders are urging policymakers to address wage gaps to keep the country’s brightest minds engaged in national projects.