Parliament Question: Performance of space missions

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1570 TO BE ANSWERED ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 PERFORMANCE OF SPACE MISSIONS 1570. SMT. RAJANI ASHOKRAO PATIL: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has reviewed the performance of major national missions and projects with respect to budget management; (b) the details of missions and projects that have experienced cost overruns, sector-wise and State-wise; (c) the reasons for such budget escalations, including design changes, delays, procurement issues or unforeseen contingencies; (d) the internal audit, monitoring and accountability mechanisms in place to track expenditure and prevent financial mismanagement; and (e) whether the lack of transparency and timely disclosure regarding cost overruns has affected public confidence and if so, the steps proposed to strengthen financial oversight, reporting and accountability in mission implementation? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): ****(a) Yes. The Government has reviewed the performance of major national missions and projects with respect to budget management. (b) & (c) The list of projects that have encountered cost overrun during the last five years along with the reasons are as given below: Sl. Project Reasons for cost overrun No. 1. Development of Small Satellite Design modifications, additional static tests, Launch Vehicle additional tooling & fixtures, dedicated NGC checkout-systems etc. 2. Gaganyaan follow-on missions Change in project scope, global supply leading to precursor for chain disruption due to COVID-19 Bharatiya Antariksh Station pandemic, global shortage in the supply of space grade and EEE components, longer cycle time for the indigenous development of life support system etc. (d) The Department of Space maintains robust internal audit, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms to track expenditures and prevent mismanagement in its activities and projects. These include decentralized financial powers with mandatory oversight by Internal Financial Advisors (IFAs) and rigorous project reviews. All ISRO Centre/Unit has a designated Internal Financial Advisor who advises the Director for all financial decisions, ensuring due diligence in budgeting, procurement, and sanctions as per the DOS Book of Financial Powers and Purchase Manual. A centralized internal audit wing in DOS conducts post-audits across centres, reviewing decision-making, procurement contracts, and systems for corrective actions. Pre-audit systems and senior-level contract committees enforce objective procurement activities. Project Management Councils (PMC) and Boards (PMB) oversee project progress, covering technical, managerial, cost, and schedule aspects through regular project review mechanisms. Furthermore, expenditure reviews are conducted periodically to ensure adherence to the planned targets. Public Financial Management System (PFMS) enables real-time tracking of receipts, payments, and transfers, and MIS generation. Various mechanisms are in place for ensuring budget controls, such as proportionate spending and avoidance of year-end rushes, monitoring grants against expenditures. Grievance redressal and RTI compliance further bolster accountability. (e) No. Robust systems exist in the Department to ensure transparency, accountability and optimum utilization of resources in mission implementation. ****