INDICTED: In late-night operation, ISRO releases report nailing Madhavan Nair & Co

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: In a late-night, smooth operation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Devas-Antrix controversy fact-finding report in three parts.  They are: 1) A statement on high-powered review committee (HPRC) and high-level tea on Antrix-Devas agreement-status of follow-up Actions (Feb 04, 2012); 2) The full text of Main report of the HPRC on various aspects of Antrix-Devas agreement, setp up by the government on February 10, 2011; 3) The conclusions and recommendations of the report of the high-level team ion Antrix-Devas agreements, set up by the government on May 31, 2011.

The entire document, split into 3 parts and consisting 74-pages, nails G Madhavan Nair, A Bhaskaranarayana, K R Sridhara Murthi & K N Shankara. It also names four more officials having found responsible for the acts of omissions , and they include: S S Meenakshisundaram, Veena S Rao, G Balachandran and R G Nadadur.

The report prepared by  B K Chaturvedi and Roddam Narasimha, says that the terms of Antrix Devas contract were heavily loaded in favour of Devas as brought out in the relevant section of this report. “In this context, some facts bear repetition. The terms of agreement entail that while in the case of the failure of the satellite; the risk was entirely that of Department of Space, the success of the satellite would commit latter to substantial expenditure. It is surprising that for the purpose of arbitration, Devas has been considered an international customer, even though its registered address in the contract is shown as in Bangalore,” says the report.

The report says concludes that there have been not only serious administrative and procedural lapses, but also suggestion of collusive behavior on the part of certain individuals. While summing up the case, the report says that ‘it is the case of differentiated responsibility on the party of many, where a few individuals were able to bring fruition a proposal with adverse implications for ISRO/DOS. It further adds that there were no resistance from ‘many others’ who were charged with the responsibility of ensuring transparency and objectivity in the government decision-making process.

While the punishments recommended vary, the report wants the government to take action according to rule of from and provisions of law.

ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan came to Bangalore from Delhi around 7:15 pm on Saturday and is said to have got huddled with his team immediately within an hour to discuss the modalities of making the report public. When Express tracked him down, he would only say: “Everything is on the website. You read it.” 

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Space Nair now gets backing from Aviation Nair!

C G K Nair, President SIATI

Madhavan Nair, ex-ISRO Chief

By Anantha Krishnan M & Byju Aryad

Express News Service

Bangalore/T'puram: Amidst the ongoing Space war unleashed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan and his predecessor Madhavan Nair, another Nair has come out expressing his strong views.

On Monday, it was the turn of C G Krishnadas Nair, Honorary President of SIATI (Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries) to express shock over the penalization of Madhavan Nair, Sridhara Murthy and other ISRO stalwarts.

Speaking to Express, C G K Nair said it was very demoralizing to Indian scientific and technical community. “It is very sad if such decisions are taken without fair probe and a fair chance to the concerned scientists. In today's world can any one be punished without giving a proper hearing?” C G K Nair, who was also the former chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, asked.

Reminding that India should not forget the contributions of Madhavan Nair and his team so fast, C G K Nair said the nation owes a lot to former ISRO chairman. “The growth of space science technology and associated applications in the last one decade has been substantial, thanks to Madhavan Nair's role. He is a house-hold name and a popular figure among schoolchildren. He got India a place of pride on the world map. That is why India honoured him with a Padma Vibhushan,” C G K Nair, who was also the MD of Kochi Airport, said.

He said from his long-stint in the field of aerospace and defence, no chairman alone will take decisions. “All corporate decisions are taken by the Board. All the Board members will have to share the responsibility. I am happy to hear the government will hear these scientists now, but it could have been fair and appropriate before imposing the ban,” C G K Nair, still a name to reckon with in Indian aerospace sector, said.

Admitting that the entire episode had brought  'a huge shame on India', C G K Nair hoped that the matter will be settled at the earliest. “He (Madhavan Nair) is an asset to the nation and we are not setting a decent precedent by treating him so shabbily,” he said.  

Chandy's comfort call:  While Madhavan Nair's support is growing by the day, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy too backed the son of the soil. Madhavan Nair told Express that the CM had telephoned him on Monday and extended support that befits the case. “It was nice of him to have rang me up and stand by me during this hour of man-made crisis,” Madhavan Nair said.

But Chandy's comfort-call came after a slight faux paus he created on January 25, soon after the controversy erupted. His office requested all media houses in Kerala not to play up CM's comments on Madhavan Nair to avoid controversies. “"Nair is already giving valuable services on many matters of Kerala government. I expect that will continue the same. He is a prominent personality in the country and his services to the nation very important," the CM had said.

The CM's office said his initial comments were based purely on media queries soon after the cabinet meeting and it took some time for him to grasp the depth of the matter. Express has been informed by aides close to the CM that he is mulling over various options to bail out Madhavan Nair from the current mess.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Nair-row: PMO in a bind over post-ban episodes | Bright chances for lifting of ban | Radhakrishnan continues maun vrat

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) controversy over banning its former chief G Madavahan Nair & Co and the subsequent univocal outrage by the scientific community across India, have put the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in spot of bother.  Sources tell Express that there are divided opinions in the PMO over the way the ban order was executed with the post-ban episodes creating major embarrassments.

Sources tell Express that Minister of State in PMO V Narayaswamy’s comments on ‘teaching scientists a lesson’ have boomeranged on the government. “There are concerns and I can’t go into specific details now. The ban matter will come up for a detailed discussion this week,” a top source said. When asked whether the ‘detailed discussion’ will result in a possible recall of the ban order, the official said: “That’s only a possibility.” Sources said that the massive support to Madhavan Nair from of senior scientists has put the PMO on a back-foot.

Sources say that there’s a strong anti-Madhavan Nair lobby working overtime in PMO, especially targeting all those who were backed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s one-time powerful Principal Secretary T K A Nair (now eased out to an advisor role). Sources say that in the process of making a ‘vibrant PMO’ and to give it an ‘assertive image,’ there is a working script now in play, 24x7. “There are some more changes likely to happen at the PMO in the coming days. I can’t comment on whether the Madhavan Nair episode has any links to the new-found philosophy of PMO,” sources said.

Back in Bangalore, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan continued his ‘maun vrat’ and this might be on for some more days. “He has been asked to do so after seeing the response to Narayanaswamy’s remarks. Right now, the PMO is keen to find a solution,” sources said. But, an insider at ISRO headquarters said that Radhakrishnan might issue a statement sooner or later, a fact which wasn’t confirmed by his media managers.

Madhavan Nair chose to stay away from the war for words on Sunday, but a close aide of his said that the blueprint for a counter-strategy is in place. “The letter issued and its format, are all in clear deviation from normal government norms. We have enough evidence that it was typed by Radhakrishnan himself at his residence and then made to sign by his junior colleague. He (Madhavan Nair) is not a college student to be issued a two-page ban order. Everything will be exposed soon,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Nair-row: PMO in a bind over post-ban episodes | Bright chances for lifting of ban | Radhakrishnan continues maun vrat

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) controversy over banning its former chief G Madavahan Nair & Co and the subsequent univocal outrage by the scientific community across India, have put the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in spot of bother.  Sources tell Express that there are divided opinions in the PMO over the way the ban order was executed with the post-ban episodes creating major embarrassments.

Sources tell Express that Minister of State in PMO V Narayaswamy’s comments on ‘teaching scientists a lesson’ have boomeranged on the government. “There are concerns and I can’t go into specific details now. The ban matter will come up for a detailed discussion this week,” a top source said. When asked whether the ‘detailed discussion’ will result in a possible recall of the ban order, the official said: “That’s only a possibility.” Sources said that the massive support to Madhavan Nair from of senior scientists has put the PMO on a back-foot.

Sources say that there’s a strong anti-Madhavan Nair lobby working overtime in PMO, especially targeting all those who were backed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s one-time powerful Principal Secretary T K A Nair (now eased out to an advisor role). Sources say that in the process of making a ‘vibrant PMO’ and to give it an ‘assertive image,’ there is a working script now in play, 24x7. “There are some more changes likely to happen at the PMO in the coming days. I can’t comment on whether the Madhavan Nair episode has any links to the new-found philosophy of PMO,” sources said.

Back in Bangalore, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan continued his ‘maun vrat’ and this might be on for some more days. “He has been asked to do so after seeing the response to Narayanaswamy’s remarks. Right now, the PMO is keen to find a solution,” sources said. But, an insider at ISRO headquarters said that Radhakrishnan might issue a statement sooner or later, a fact which wasn’t confirmed by his media managers.

Madhavan Nair chose to stay away from the war for words on Sunday, but a close aide of his said that the blueprint for a counter-strategy is in place. “The letter issued and its format, are all in clear deviation from normal government norms. We have enough evidence that it was typed by Radhakrishnan himself at his residence and then made to sign by his junior colleague. He (Madhavan Nair) is not a college student to issue a two-page ban order. Everything will be exposed soon,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

No plane politics, NCAD project on right flightpath: CSIR DG | Delay due to 'careful approach' towards key details

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Samir K Brahmachari, Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) defended his decision to adopt 'a careful approach' towards India's inspiring National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) project. Speaking to Express over the phone from Delhi, Brahmachari denied that he or his team is 'deliberately creating turbulence' along the flightpath of NCAD, as being accused by some of the High-Power Committee (HPC) members.

CSIR DG Samir K Brahmachari

“Why should be there any hurry? We are dealing with massive government funds and it has to be dealt through a careful approach. There are lots of work to be done. Only a feasibility study is in place and that was part of the 11th Plan. Now, in the 12th Plan we will initiate the rest. It is not correct to say that we have stopped the project,” Brahmachari said.

When asked why some of the HPC members are sensing a 'deliberate delay', the CSIR chief said: “It is not a delay. When we do funding for such a huge project, we will be slow and cautious. Madhavan Nair's job as the HPC head was over in November 2011 and we thanked him for all that he has done through a letter. A new committee has taken over now as we have now entered the execution stage.”

Terming that it is important for Indian industries to come forward and propel NCAD, Brahmacahari said the Kelkar and Roddam Committees would submit their reports in the next two months. “If the industry participation is not there, this project won't take-off. Hence we are working on the joint-venture template,” he said.

To a query why the draft Cabinet note of HPC was not considered, Brahmachari said: “The format was based on an old model and it was rejected outright by the Planning Commission. This note was an extra job being done by the HPC and it was never part of their terms of reference. I know how to move Cabinet notes and the new committee will make one and move it at an appropriate time.”

Specifically when quizzed if he was playing the villain in a script for a blockbuster science fiction 'War of Brains,' the CSIR boss said: “Arey baba, no politics or deliberate delays. The 12th Plan Budget is not finalized. Everything will be clear after that.” Further when Express told Brahmachari that Prime Minister himself has seen the HPC report and was probably 'keen to go-ahead,' Brahmachari said: “When did we stop. We are going ahead. There's no controversy.”

Insiders at the Bangalore-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a premier CSIR lab, ducked Express queries saying that they have been officially asked to 'shut their mouth' and not to speak on the project.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

MAIN REPORT: BELOW POST

90-seater national aircraft project put to slow death? Few HPC members suspect 'delaying tactics'

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Has the much-hyped National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) project of India being pushed to the back-burner? If sources who were part of the 16-member High Power Committee (HPC) are to be believed, the NCAD project is being 'deliberately delayed' after the feasibility report was submitted to the government in June 2011.

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Madhavan Nair headed the HPC under the command of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). His team's mandate was to complete a feasibility study to develop and manufacture a 90-seater civil plane, in addition to spell out its broad design parameters. The NCAD office is situated at National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) in Bangalore, a CSIR lab.

“We had submitted the report to the Samir K Brahmachari (Director-General, CSIR) on time in June 2011 which contained a design report, feasibility report, development plan and a draft Cabinet note. Within a month it could have been taken up. We had sought for in-principle a government approval for Rs 4,500 crore for the development phase and another Rs 3,000 crore for the production. The management plan was fine-tuned by A T Kearney,” sources said.

The HPC had sent the entire report for vetting to senior member of Planning Commission Arun Maira. “The report was very thoroughly reviewed by Maira and we later incorporated all his suggestions. We don't have any clue what went wrong. May be it is professional jealousy due to the media hype NCAD received. We have been told that the DG (Brahmachari) had strong reservations on CSIR-NAL or government taking it up. He wanted private partnership, which according to HPC was not feasible. We felt that because the technology is with the government agency, the question of knowledge transfer and IPR will come. We were also sure that no private agency will be able to fund so much of money and wait for a long time,” an HPC member said.

HPC members claim that had the government acted on time, then the project could have officially taken-off this January and by 2017 probably the first aircraft would have been ready for its first flight. “If the initial approval itself is taking one year, spare a thought for the project now. There's a deliberate delay and that's hurting us. More the delay in starting the project, more chances of new technologies coming in forcing further changes. Our efforts was to establish core competence for a civil aircraft programme in India. Commercial angle comes next. If we don't start somewhere in this area, we will be left home alone, even among the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) nations.

In September 2011, the CSIR boss formed two committees with one headed by Vijay Kelkar to look into the JV formation of the project and another by Roddam Narasimha to look into the technical aspects of the project. But the HPC members are feeling let down considering some of the big names of Indian aviation and defence sector have put together the feasibility study. “Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was highly impressed with our report. We had given a copy of the report to the PM the very next day after it was submitted to Brahmachari. Now we hear there is some confusion as to who should be nodal ministry for this project – whether it has to be Science and Technology Ministry or Civil Aviation Ministry,” sources said.

Some of the HPC members say that out of the Rs 50 crore sanctioned by the S&T Ministry from the CSIR funding, only Rs 20 crore has been paid the team. “It was during a review meeting in 2010 with then S&T Minister Prithviraj Chavan that the funds were sanctioned. We haven't been given enough justifications why the remaining funds were not released. Chavan gave all support to this project,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Next post: CSIR DG Brahmachari reacts

STAR WAR: Nair to focus on International Academy of Astronautics in Paris

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

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 .

Watch this Space!

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)

Built on gifted land, mini-Smithsonian Museum ready for launch in Kochi

By Anantha Krishnan M & Byju Aryad

Express News Service

Bangalore\Thirvananthapuram:  God’s Own Country will soon have a space science museum on a prime, ‘gifted’ piece of land. The phase-I of this yet-to-be-named facility will officially go live on December 17 at Pallikkara, near Kochi, which is at striking distance from Kerala’s popular water theme park Veega Land. The museum is jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Dr Indira Rajan, a leading educationist in Kerala.

Former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam will formally launch the construction activities of museum by unveiling a massive model of PSLV, being brought from Bangalore. The 1,800-kilogram model will be up and ready for ‘launch’ when Dr Kalam makes a touchdown in Kochi – a day otherwise celebrated world over by aviation aficionados as Wright Brothers’ Day. It’s a sheer coincidence that the new museum is being launched on the same day, when the Wright Brother eventually gave wings to humanity, with their 12-second historic flight on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk.

Tipped as a mini version of the famous US-based Smithsonian Museum, once fully operational, only the Space Wing is currently being opened on Saturday from an already-existing structure. “It will be a comprehensive facility, which will capture the best of natural and physical science, space and defence. Our aim is to inspire students towards science streams,” ISRO former chairman Dr G Madhavan Nair told Express. “We are seeking the support of industries and corporates to make this a must-see facility in India. In the next few years, we are confident that the museum will eventually grow as a one-stop-place that showcases the growth and might of Indian aerospace and defence sectors,” Dr Nair said.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation have been entrusted to develop a wing to exhibit its products. “In phases we will have sections for atomic energy, industrial revolution and scientific research. We will also have sections showing live experiments and very natural scientific phenomenon,” Dr Nair, who has played a silent role in executing the project so far, said.

Dr Indira Rajan, head of Minerva Educational Institutions in Kerala and chairperson of the Resul Pookutty Foundation is the Chief Executive Director of the museum. Dr Indira donated prime land in Pallikkara for the museum, purely out of her passion towards science and technology. “I got the idea after visiting NASA and came back discussed with ISRO officials. I am sure it will inspire students and propel their scientific temper,” Dr Indira told Express.

A logo and name-the-museum-contest is currently on for schoolchildren in Kerala and Dr Nair said both will be formally announced soon. “We have also identified an architect with a plan to build some modern structure to house different phases of the museum,” Dr Nair said.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

Breaking on Tarmak007: LCA-fame Capt. Rajiv Kothiyal to assist National Civil Aircraft Development program

Horses for courses! Well, former ISRO chief Dr G. Madhjavan Nair and former Tejas program chief Dr Kota Harinarayana know a thing or two about winning horses. The result : Read on...
Capt. Rajiv Kothiyal, a former Indian air force test pilot and currently a type rated examiner (TRE) with Kingfisher Airlines’ Airbus A320 fleet, will be an advisor to India’s ambitious National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) program. Although a formal announcement has not yet been made, this high-profile appointment was confirmed by Dr. A.R. Upadhaya, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) director. “I can’t tell you what role he (Capt. Kothiyal) will play now, but he will come with rich experience of civil, military background,” says Dr Upadhaya. Capt. Kothiyal was the first man to fly India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Jan. 4, 2001, and contributed immensely to the program.

Dr. Upadhaya says a committee set up to review the requirements and prepare a project report for NCAD will submit its recommendations by the end of April to the government. “The government will study our proposals and then decide on the future course of action,” he said. The NCAD project will initially have manpower from NAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Aeronautical Development Agency and the Defense Research and Development Organization. Former ISRO Chairman Dr. G. Madhavan Nair heads the committee.
To a query posed by Aviation Week, Kingfisher Airlines too confirmed Capt. Kothiyal’s new assignment. “It is a proud moment for all of us at Kingfisher Airlines that Capt. Kothiyal, a TRE on our Airbus A320 fleet, has been appointed by the Indian government as an advisor for the 70-90 seat aircraft project of NCAD. This recognition accorded to Capt. Kothiyal will serve as an inspiration for all of us. He will continue in his regular role at Kingfisher Airlines, in addition to this responsibility,” says Prakash Mirpuri, VP, corporate communications, via email.
Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that the NAL officials received a formal letter from Kingfisher Airlines on Feb 28 in reply to a letter dated January 13, 2011 from NAL seeking the assistance of Capt. Kothiyal. The Kingfisher letter is signed by the airline's Executive VP (engineering and operations) Hithesh Patel. "Capt Kothiyal is really excited about the new assignment as he would be once again entering into a familiar terrain. He will have to inform the KFA officials about the time he would need to devote to the NCAD program so that necessary changes can be met to the flying roster. We can't be asking for more as KFA sees this as a huge recognition. It's a matter of great pride," a close aide and pilot-friend of Capt Kothiyal said.

(A trimmed version in AW here)