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A major two-stage rocket launch scheduled for August 26 at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thumba has been postponed due to the disruption caused by a section of agitating employees. The employees have prevented the testing of the ignitor for the Rohini-560 rocket, which has the capability to carry a 100-kg scientific payload and reach an altitude of 300 kms.

Additionally, the agitation has affected the preparations for launching a satellite from Sriharikota near Madras in 1978. The satellite fabrication, currently taking place in Bangalore, is expected to be completed by 1974.

The employees involved in the agitation have gone to the extent of preventing the engagement of casual workers who were assigned to remove stickers pasted by them on the office walls. They have accused the authorities of hiring goondas (thugs) to handle the situation.

Furthermore, the employees have caused the wastage of cooked food worth Rs. 5,000 by preventing its serving. The authorities purchase rice at a higher price from the open market but charge only a subsidized price of 65 paise for a complete meal.

The disruption caused by the employee agitation is a matter of concern as it hampers important activities at the space centre and has resulted in the delay of the rocket launch and satellite preparations. The authorities are hopeful of resolving the issues and getting the operations back on track.

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