Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan has written to the Union Minister and the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) urging them to reconsider the schedule of ISRO’s recruitment exam, originally set for January 15, which falls on Pongal, a major cultural festival in Tamil Nadu.The computer-based test (CBT) for Technical Assistant and related positions at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) was announced for January 15. In his letter, Venkatesan highlighted the difficulties candidates from Tamil Nadu may face due to heavy travel congestion and transport shortages during the four-day Pongal holiday, making it hard for many to reach exam centres on time.
He also described Pongal as not just a harvest festival but a deeply rooted cultural identity for Tamils, and said conducting exams on that day disregards cultural sentiments and rights. The MP noted the inconsistency that another ISRO centre, IPRC, has given leave on Pongal, while the VSSC exam date remains unchanged.
Venkatesan has requested that the exam be postponed to another date in the interest of fairness and convenience for aspiring candidates from the state.