'IITians don't want to join': Ex ISRO Chief's old video goes viral amid Axiom 4 delay, reignites 'bond bias' debate

An interview featuring former ISRO Chairperson S. Somanath has recently gained traction, reigniting discussions surrounding India's capacity to keep its elite engineering graduates in the public sector. Somanath disclosed that approximately 60% of students from prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) left an ISRO recruitment event upon learning about the organization's compensation package. During the conversation, Somanath explained that after detailing the career prospects and the nature of work at ISRO, the recruiters presented the agency's salary structure. Disappointed by the figures, a significant portion of the students opted to exit. He noted that despite being among the nation’s brightest minds, only about 1% of IIT graduates choose to pursue careers at ISRO. This revelation has reignited the debate regarding the remuneration of engineers and scientists within government research bodies, with critics arguing that ISRO's salaries are uncompetitive, hindering its capacity to attract top-tier talent crucial for India’s space aspirations. Moreover, the interview brought to light an ongoing debate regarding the so-called 'bond bias.' This term refers to the mandatory service requirements imposed on medical graduates, while engineering alumni from publicly funded institutions like IITs and IIMs face no such obligations. Medical professionals, including cardiologist Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, have voiced their concerns on social media, questioning why only doctors are subject to these service bonds while engineering graduates are exempt. He suggested that similar obligations should apply to IIT graduates working for ISRO and DRDO. Public reaction has been mixed. Some social media users have supported the idea of requiring graduates from government-funded institutions to engage in public service, arguing that taxpayer money should come with a commitment to serve. One user pointed out that the government invests over ₹11,000 crore in IITs, suggesting that students should contribute back to the public sector for a limited time. Conversely, others have criticized ISRO’s outdated pay structures. A former student who received a 10-month internship offer from ISRO shared their frustrations regarding relocation requirements and the absence of a stipend or job guarantee, labeling the situation as exploitative. They argued that a modest stipend could significantly improve the attractiveness of such positions. The overarching dilemma remains: while India needs its top talent for its ambitious space and technology projects, can ISRO and similar public institutions adapt quickly enough to retain the skilled professionals essential for their success?