Open to rapprochement, says banned ISRO ex-chief Nair

Former Indian Space Research Organisation chairman G Madhavan Nair has said he is ready to talk to the government to resolve the furore he himself created after the government last week banned him and three other former ISRO scientists from holding any government-controlled job in future.

Nair made the statement after the science and technology ministry indicated that it was willing to seek rapprochement with the banned scientists.

"Well, if it is a real move from the government's side, then it is good. But I have not received the original order itself. Even on this reconciliation issue I have had no communication whatsoever. So I can't react to it," Nair told newspersons in Bangalore.

Nair has sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention in the matter. He had written to the Prime Minister's Office requesting him to order an inquiry into the process by which the order was issued.

"I believe the issuance of the order did not follow established procedures and would like the matter investigated," he said.

"I am not interested in any government favours. What I am interested is in restoring the honour of myself and my colleagues. For that the government has to withdraw this order," he said.