This refers to the edit “Closer to Nasa” (June 28). The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will have to be careful about retaining its suppliers. The organisation is known for its poor payment record and delays are quite endemic. Departments in charge of payments conveniently brush this issue aside as being part of the deal; kickbacks are also common. E-procurement is one way to go about it — but registering on Isro’s website is a task in itself. The reason for this slackness is that Isro is not a commercial organisation. It works on its own terms. Same is the case with the US’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) — contractors keep complaining of delays, harassments and kickbacks. Moreover, Isro is not held accountable for and judged severely on its failures. A satellite launch vehicle falls into the Bay of Bengal, and people consider it a stepping stone to success! So, there is a lot that Isro must do in order to be able to ramp up its supplier base.
Raghu Seshadri, Chennai
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number