In a discourse held in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored India’s strides toward self-reliance in its space program. She noted that the Indian industry has honed the capacity to conceive, develop, and manufacture advanced equipment for space missions, with significant contributions emerging from private enterprises. Sitharaman emphasized that India’s space endeavors are increasingly self-sustaining, thanks in part to a robust private sector involvement.
During the discussion centered on “India’s illustrious space odyssey marked by the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan 3,” Sitharaman pointed out the government’s role in opening up the space sector, propelling private companies to make substantial advancements in the field.
She highlighted the pivotal contributions of state-run entities such as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) in innovatively supporting the Chandrayaan project, ultimately reducing costs. Furthermore, Sitharaman recognized the vital role played by various private sector firms in India, particularly in mechanical and electronic fabrication.
The Finance Minister emphasized that advanced technology is not solely the domain of state-owned entities; private players have also made substantial technological contributions, significantly enhancing project efficiency. Importantly, all the equipment employed in Chandrayaan 3 was indigenously developed, underlining India’s growing self-reliance in space technology.
Sitharaman acknowledged the government’s commitment to leaving no area closed off to the private sector, particularly in the space industry. She also pointed out the significant impact of empowering women in the scientific domain, as it has played a pivotal role in shattering the glass ceiling at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Sitharaman called upon members of the Rajya Sabha to support the Bill on reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, viewing it as a tool for enhancing women’s political empowerment.
