Dept of Space vacancy rate at 25-year high; nearly 3 in 10 posts lie vacant

AI Summary

India's Department of Space is facing a critical manpower shortage with a 25% vacancy rate, the highest in 25 years. Recruitment delays due to COVID-19 and reforms have exacerbated the staffing gap, with plans underway to fill over two thousand vacancies by 2026 to support mission development and retain experienced scientists.

India's space department faces a growing manpower crunch, with over twenty-five percent of sanctioned posts vacant. This staffing gap has widened significantly since 2019, impacting critical mission development. Recruitment processes were delayed due to Covid-19 and reforms, creating a substantial gap. Efforts are underway to fill over two thousand vacancies by late 2026. The department must rebuild its workforce while retaining experienced scientists.