Antrix - Devas deals : PMO blacklists ex-ISRO chief Nair from government jobs

[Singh]

Antrix - Devas deals : PMO blacklists ex-ISRO chief Nair from government jobs


New Delhi, Jan 25: Government blacklisted former ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair and three other eminent space scientists from the government positions over the controversial Antrix-Devas deal. The decision made Former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair angry on current leadership of India's space research agency and Prime Minister's office.

Indian Space Research organization violated the rules and allotted scarce S band spectrum to Antrix Corporation and Bangalore-based Devas Multimedia.

The contract was signed when Nair served as the chairman of ISRO. ISRO official claimed that Department of space have given punishment to Nair, KR Sridharamurthi, former managing director of Antrix K Bhaskaranarayana, former scientific secretary at ISRO and KN Shankara, former director of the ISRO satellite centre over that controversial deal.

"If there is any such allegation, the proper thing to do is to give the accused person a charge-sheet and then follow that with an inquiry," said Nair.

Nair accused the current leadership of ISRO for presenting distorted facts. Even he stated that they didn't follow the due process of investigation.

"It looks like the (current) leadership of ISRO is eager to cancel the previous contract for some reason," he added.

After considering high--powered committee's report, government took the decision. Even the report was examined by another panel.

Last year, a high-level team was formed under the Central Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha for examining the Antrix-Devas agreement.


Antrix-Devas Deal | Ex-ISRO Chief | G Madhavan Nair | ISRO | Prime Minister Office | Blacklisted | Government Jobs

 

[Iamanidiot]

Madhavan Nair is a great Institution builder and enjoys great rapport with MMS.Pulook Chatterjee is playing the game now he is trying to chip way MMS loyalists

 

[JAYRAM]

Heard, Madhavan Nair saying " Current ISRO chief is incompetent"...

Shame, Ex-chief vs Current-chief. No doubt our country is not progressing anywhere and what we get for the hatred, disrespect and slammimg from foreigners..

 

[nitesh]

General vks part II

 

[H.A.]

I read in the newspaper today, wherein Mr. Nair said the following words....If Indian government doesn't need me that does not mean that the world does not need me. He said that he might as well go and join an organisation in another country.

Now if he does what he says...it would be a great loss to India...

 

[Singh]

The Fall Of Madhavan Nair: Decoding The 'Scandal'

The Fall Of Madhavan Nair: Decoding The 'Scandal'
​

Two years ago, space scientist G Madhavan Nair was India's pride when he was crowned with Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour.

Today he is on the blacklist of the same government! The government of India has barred him from holding any of its posts, now or ever.

The reason? He was the head of Antrix, the commercial arm of the Indian space establishment, when it decided to lease out transponders of two of its satellites to a private company.

Country's top scientists such as Anil Kakodkar, Prof Yashpal, CNR Rao and RA Mashelkar expressed shock and dismay over this "unprecedented action".


Former ISRO head G Madhavan Nair. AFP Photo

Nair, a highly accomplished scientist and the architect of the present generation of India's space programme, was livid. He hit back at the leadership of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and attributed personal motives for this disgraceful decision. "He (K Radhakrishnan Nair) has misled the government on the whole issue (the Devas deal). He is the key person who worked behind this; he misled and miscommunicated to the government," Nair reportedly told PTI.

Who is Radhakrishnan Nair? The present chairman of ISRO and interestingly, a fellow scientist from Nair's home-state of Kerala.

Although the details behind the Nair's blacklisting are not as salacious or intriguing as the six-year old "spy scandal" that rocked the Indian space establishment in the late 1990s and ruined the careers and lives of the country's six space scientists, they certainly point to the complete disarray of the governance and accountability systems in the country. The questions to be asked are if the case in question was really a scam; if yes, was Nair really culpable.

Instead, what the public got to know was that Nair and three other scientists have been blacklisted.

The connotation of this announcement was that their hands are dirty. Are they?

Let's decode the "scam" that felled Nair and his fellow scientists and see the devil in the details.

What exactly is the case?

Antrix reportedly got into a 12-year $ 300 deal with a private company called Devas for leasing out 90 percent of the transponders of two of its satellites, CSAT-6 and GSAT-6A. When ready, Devas would use them for running digital multimedia services. Apparently, Antrix had got the clearance of the Space Commission and the Union Cabinet for the two satellites, but hadn't informed them about the bulk purchase by Devas.

In the wake of the 2G scam, media reports started appearing featuring this as the next big spectrum scandal because the transponders that Devas had hired would require chunks of S-band spectrum, an "expensive and evolving" commodity. It was, however, not clear if the agreement included the allotment of S-band spectrum, which was highly improbable because Antrix had no jurisdiction on that.

What followed in the media was largely conjecture. Media reports concluded that if Devas gets to use satellite transponders they will come bundled with the (S-band) spectrum. However, it was conveniently overlooked that spectrum allocation was solely a DoT's prerogative and ISRO/Antrix had no role. In other words, the scam was largely a piece of conjecture based on common sense.

This is exactly what enrages Nair. In an interview with PTI, he said that there was an attempt to mix spectrum and satellite transponder leasing. "These are two different issues. ISRO deals with only leasing the transponders." To make things clearer, he used the example of Tata Sky, which has leased 12 transponders from a single ISRO satellite. "Even if ISRO gives transponders to an operator, the latter can't start operations such as uplinking, downlinking and beaming over the Indian continent till it receives licence from the Department of Telecom," he said.

One doesn't need to know rocket science to understand this – it is like buying a TV doesn't guarantee the channels it is going to receive. But who is listening? A government that is perceived to be lame needs soft targets to show its machismo. It may drag its feet on a billionaire industrialist or a crook politician, but not on a scientist.

This is also where Nair's charges seem justified. He accuses his country-cousin Radhakrishnan Nair for his fall. "A letter went from Department of Space to the higher-ups towards the end of 2009 or early 2010 (when Radhakrishnan was the chairman), seeking cancellation of the Antrix-Devas agreement. He had made up his mind to take action on something and later lined up all arguments in favour of such a decision. This is totally unheard of," Nair said.

The government action was based on the report of a five-member high powered committee (HPC) chaired by a former CVC that examined the deal and another panel that studied the report. According to Nair, Radhakrishnan Nair misled the committee.

In a completely chaotic contemporary India, where facts and fiction are dangerously mixed, anything is possible except when it doesn't touch politicians, their cronies and industrialists. When decisions are based on what is expedient and popular, which are largely dictated by half-baked media stories, it is bound to go crazy like this. Yesterday's heroes are today's zeroes.

Does it really matter that Nair was behind 27 successful space missions including the "Chandrayaan"?

The fall of Madhavan Nair: decoding the ‘scandal’ | Firstpost

 

[nitesh]

General vks part II

As I said before, sadly this is turning out to be part II of General VKS saga, this is incompetence at the highest level

Ex-ISRO chairman slams V Narayanasamy's 'medieval views' - India - DNA

 

[Singh]

Ex-ISRO Chairman Slams V Narayanasamy's 'Medieval Views' - India

Ex-ISRO Chairman Slams V Narayanasamy's 'Medieval Views'
​

Slamming Union Minister V Narayanasamy for his remarks on scientists over the controversial Antrix-Devas deal issue, former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair today said it reminded him of medieval times when Galileo was imprisoned for his scientific observations.

"Today I saw a news item...somebody (Narayanasamy) saying that we want to teach the scientists a lesson," Nair told PTI here. "It's a big blow to the scientific community."

"At least scientists are doing something. You also want them to shut-off? It's very strange," he said.

The Minister of State in the PMO, while defending the action against Nair and three other scientists vis-a-vis scrapped Antrix-Devas deal, reportedly said yesterday that the decision was taken to send a strong message to the scientific community that no wrongdoing would be tolerated.

Asked if he was shocked by Narayanasamy's statement, Nair said, "General scientific community should react, not me."

But he added, "Scientists have to be given freedom if technology has to grow. In medieval times, you have heard of Galileo put in prison by the King. If Indian scientists have also to be put like this, God save our scientific community in the country."

Galileo, 17th century Italian physicist and astronomer, was found guilty by the Church for his observations that the earth revolves around the sun, contradicting the age-old belief that the earth was centre of universe.

When asked if he thought India is returning to medieval times vis-a-vis treatment to scientists, Nair said one cannot decide from one action (against him and three others).

He, however, went to say that "this is perhaps beginning of the end or beginning of a new era".

"He (Narayanaswamy) is not in-charge of science and technology. There is a full-fledged Cabinet minister for science and technology. And what authority he (Narayanasamy) has got to say that he wants to teach a lesson to scientists?" Nair asked.

Nair said he would "immediately" file application under RTI to get a copy of the letter barring him and three other scientists from government jobs.

"I don't know what are the charges levelled on us based on which action has been taken. So, looking at that only...one can decide what next to be done," he said.

"First of all, we don't care about the order. That's a different matter," Nair said, adding that since it affected "our prestige", he wants to take it to its logical conclusion.

"The government is so insensitive. I think many of the other scientists are also reacting (to the order). I hope the government would listen to all those things," the former ISRO chairman said.

Ex-ISRO chairman slams V Narayanasamy's 'medieval views' - India - DNA

 

[Singh]

Scientists' War: India's Loss Is IAA's Gain | Madhavan Nair | ISRO

Scientists' War: India's Loss Is IAA's Gain | Madhavan Nair | ISRO
​

BANGALORE: Will India's loss pan out to be an outright international gain? A day after the 'Nair row' erupted following a "secret" two-page letter issued by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) banning some of its stars, including former chairman Madhavan Nair, Express has confirmed information that the man who was "once over the Moon" has made up his mind.

He now wants to focus on the activities of International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), headquartered in Paris. "If India doesn't want me, that doesn't mean the world has rejected me," Nair told his close aides.

He is currently the president of the IAA, the first man to occupy the top-post outside the United States, in its 50 years of existence. The IAA has members from all over world, and Nair was re-elected for a second stint (for two years) in October 2011.With 1,200 members to its credit, the IAA is loaded with pioneers from the space field. "

The academician's role in the IAA is being given as an award and it's decided upon after scrutinising the contribution by individuals," sources said.

Last year, the IAA had published two path-breaking studies for the contribution to both humanity and space community, under Nair's command.When asked about the outbursts of Nair on Wednesday, sources shot back: "How long can he take the humiliation? Somebody has to speak out and he spoke his heart out for the first time.

As of now, he will watch the developments."As battle lines are already drawn in ISRO for Space War-II, it is left to be seen whether ISRO chairman Radhakrishnan — the 'mastermind' behind the secret order — and his predecessor will have any 'Nair-row' escape route left to come out of this mega mess. Going by the sentiments of those owing allegiance to Nair, the atmosphere at Antriksh Bhawan — ISRO Headquarters in Bangalore — has already been polluted and the chairman will have a tough time keeping his flock together.

Scientists' war: India's loss is IAA's gain | Madhavan Nair | ISRO | The New Indian Express

 

[nitesh]

This is getting uglier day be day

Former Isro chief G Madhavan Nair gives up IIT post; hopeful of getting justice through RTI - The Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Former Isro chief G Madhavan Nair, who has been barred from any government work for his alleged lapse in the Antrix-Devas deal, on Friday voluntarily stepped down from the post of chairman of the board of governors of the upcoming Indian Institute of Technology, Patna.

Nair said he had filed an application under the RTI Act and had sought the two inquiry committee reports.

"I am sure the government will not refuse it. After studying the reports , we will take appropriate action. It's a question of my prestige and it has to be restored ," he said. "We do not know what were the terms of the committees, what are their recommendations .

Devas Multimedia has moved the International Court of Arbitration to settle the issue but Antrix has not responded favourably to the arbitration . The SC is expected to hear Antrix's petition on the issue early in February.

The ICA has appointed a three-member panel to go ahead with the arbitration proceedings. Former CJI A S Anand has been appointed as one of the members of the arbitration panel.

 

[jackprince]

This is getting uglier day be day

Former Isro chief G Madhavan Nair gives up IIT post; hopeful of getting justice through RTI - The Economic Times

I think the ugly is needed. The govt. should be brought to account. I just went through the article below. Why the govt. doesn't ever punish the crooks who frames others.

The Rediff On The NeT Special: Prem Panicker reflects on the ISRO 'spy scandal'

 

[JAYRAM]

what a ***king govt is this...?. Lost all beliefs that our country will prosper & attain new heights in every field including space!.

Madhavan should leave country & work for other countries like Pak & China which give him respect & value for his abilities. This country doesn't deserve your help. This country has always ignored our greatest strategists & brave soldiers who gave their life's for putting country & it's people's head high before world.

This country will go nowhere with these 19th century dirty politics & mind..

 

[JAYRAM]

Nair to focus on International Academy of Astronautics in Paris

Bangalore: Will India's loss pan out to be an outright international gain? A day after the Nair-row erupted following a 'secret' two-page letter issued by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) banned some of its stars, including former chairman Madhavan Nair, Express have confirmed information that the man who was 'once over the Moon' has made up his mind. He wants now to focus on the activities of International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), headquartered in Paris.

"If India doesn't want me, that doesn't mean the world has rejected me," Nair is said to have told his close aides.
He is currently the president of IAA, the first man to occupy the top-post outside the United States, in its 50 years' of existence. The IAA has as members from all over world and Nair was re-elected for a second stint (for two years) in October 2011. With 1,200 members to its credit, it is loaded with pioneers from the Space field. "The academicians role in IAA is being given as an award and its is decided upon after scrutinizing the contribution by individuals," sources said. Last year, the IAA had published two path-breaking studies for the contribution to both humanity and space community, under Nair's command.

When asked about the outbursts of Nair on Wednesday, sources shot back: "How long can he take the humiliation? Somebody has to speak out and he spoke his heart out for the first time. As of now, he will watch the developments."
As the battle-lines are already drawn in ISRO for Space War-II, it is left to be seen whether the current ISRO Chairman Radhakrishnan – the alleged master-mind behind the secret order – and his predecessor will have any Nair-row escape route left to come out of this mega mess. Going by the sentiments of ISRO scientists and insiders owing allegiance to Madhavan Nair, the atmosphere at Antriksh Bhawan – ISRO Headquarters in Bangalore – has already polluted and the Chairman will have a tough time keeping his flock together .


Nair to go Kalam way; to inspire young minds

The sishya in Madhavan Nair is all set to follow the foot-steps of his guru A P J Abdul Kalam with a new mission to inspire India. "I have been doing this for the last two years and now have decided to aggressively purse it by talking to to college students and schoolchildren. If India has to grow in a sensible and systematic way, we should inspire our youth. At least, they will be loyal to the nation," Madhavan Nair told Express.

"I have already made-up my mind and a blueprint is ready. I shall be formally launching my mission so that students across India will have more access to me. Their minds will be my laboratory and I am confident of contributing to their growth the scientific way," says Nair.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)


Tarmak007 -- A bold blog on Indian defence: STAR WAR: Nair to focus on International Academy of Astronautics in Paris

 

[venkat]

"If India doesn't want me, that doesn't mean the world has rejected me," Nair !!! what a shabby way to treat Mr. Nair!!!! It brings tears to read such statement from an eminent space scientist. This country will definitely go to dogs. we don't need china and pakistan to divide in to 20 pieces..!!!.

 

[nitesh]

Antrix-Devas deal: Government yet to take action against those responsible - Economic Times

Pointing to "non-transparency" right from the signing of the deal, the DoS note, a copy of which is with the ET, pointed out how only four of the eight members on Antrix Board had approved the deal with Devas, with no agenda regarding the agreement being circulated in advance. "A full discussion and examination of the agenda notes was pre-empted on the issuea¦.the matter was dealt in an unseemly hurry, since Devas had been incorporated only a week prior to the board meeting," it was pointed out.

The DoS note also raised questions on how "complete trust was put in the capabilities of Forge Advisors USA," which set up Devas Multimedia, when it "did not possess intellectual property rights (IPRs) and had no material to show that it could develop technologies for hybrid digital communication."

Also, DoS claimed that ICC was bypassed while earmarking satellite capacity on Insat systems for use of Devas. Though policy guidelines for use of INSAT capacity by private sector providers postulated its use on a non-exclusive basis, 90% of the transponder capacity on satellites GSAT 6 and GSAT 6A were reserved for use by Devas alone. The proposal to allocate the valuable S-band spectrum to a private player was described by DoS as "an unjustified risk from the security point of view." It said as much as 60% of the total usable spectrum of 80 MHz was allocated for use by a private player like Devas, when countries like Japan and the US were using only 20-25 MHz for providing satellite services.

DoS maintained that Antrix-Devas deal made a rigid commitment of timeline of three years by Antrix, failing which penalty was to be levied for every month of delay with a cap of $5 million beyond 12 months and liability for breach of contract.

"This was agreed even when the product in question was not even fabricated on the day of signing of the agreement, and such fabrication involved the approval of the Space Commission and the Cabinet," said DoS note, "approved by the chairman of the high level team".

DoS further pointed out how, when Space Commission met to clear construction of Gsat 6, it was not apprised of the fact that 90% of the satellite transponder capacity had already been committed for Devas. Also, when Devas exercised its option for the second satellite in June 2007 and Space Commission met to clear fabrication of Gsat-6A, no details regarding its commercial utilisation were provided to the commission.

Conveying the lack of transparency in procedures, DoS found that there was "misrepresentation of facts" in the note to the Cabinet that said ISRO had received several firm expressions of interest by service providers for utilization of the satellite capacity on commercial terms. "Even the financial outlay for GSAT 6A was kept below the 150 crore threshold to do away with the need for Cabinet approval," DoS said.

Interestingly, DoS' earlier note to the Cabinet Committee on Security that annulled the deal did not raise these procedural lapses. The note for the CCS - a copy of which is in the possession of ET - had only cited the increased demand for S-band spectrum for "strategic and societal needs" for cancelling the contract with Devas. "Taking note of the fact that government policies with regard to the allocation of spectrum have undergone a change in the last few years and there has been an increased demand for allocation of spectrum for national needs, including needs of defence, para-military forces, railways and other public utility services as well as societal needs...the government will not be able to provide orbit slot on S-band to Antrix for commercial activities," the note to the CCS had said.

 

[sayareakd]

it is up to govt to give him job after retirement or not, but one things is for sure if you screw up big time once then dont expect to get second job.

 

[Bhadra]

it is up to govt to give him job after retirement or not, but one things is for sure if you screw up big time once then dont expect to get second job.

He did not share the bucks that is why he is in trouble. Akele ura gaya... how can govt tolerate it ??

 

[Ray]

There surely must be some mischief that none are ready to expose or explain.

 

[Vyom]

In this whole episode, seems only the government is the innocent kitty.

 

[sob]

Such a deal could never have been approved by ISRO/Antrix alone. The DST ministry or the PMO under which it functions would definitely have been also involved in this case. This looks like a cover up case with the script unraveling after the first Act itself.

When the scandal had broken out our Primie Minister on National Television had claimed that there were no irregularities. If that was the case why is Madhavan Nair and others being singled out for punishment.