The North News
New Delhi, December 11
The NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements to transfer technologies developed at ISRO to Industry. Technology transfer by ISRO to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and private industries are undertaken through Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). These agreements contain explicit confidentiality clauses to protect commercially sensitive information. However, NSIL has furnished the names and details of the Indian Industries to which technologies developed by ISRO have been transferred, pursuant to requests under the RTI Act. Certain information is also publicly accessible on the official websites of ISRO and DoS viz., U R Rao Satellite Centre, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and NSIL, while some details are disseminated through media publications also. It is to mention that IN-SPACe is the facilitator whereas NSIL is the actual licensor.
The NSIL is committed to transparency and adherence to the principles of Suo-moto disclosure under RTI Act, 2005. In accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, information relating to technology transfer to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and private sector entities including guidelines, technologies available for transfer etc., are available on the website of NSIL. The NSIL had independent oversight mechanism to ensure fairness and transparency in technology transfers, including those governed by NDAs. All technology transfer requests are reviewed by a Technology Transfer Committee. These measures ensure that all technology transfers are conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.
The NSIL, as a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 is committed to transparency and disclosure of information as mandated by law. The necessary details pertaining to technology transfer is being periodically updated in website. However, certain information requested, namely terms and payments, copies of agreements, is considered commercially sensitive and/ or strategic. Accordingly, this information is exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, 2005.
