Overview

• Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the Department of Space has examined the proposal and is seeking approvals to accord Institution of National Importance status to IIST.
• Shashi Tharoor highlighted the development after raising the matter in the Lok Sabha, posting the minister’s August 28 response publicly on September 1.
• The designation has not yet been conferred, and IIST continues to operate as a deemed-to-be university under the University Grants Commission Act.
• INI recognition is expected to provide greater autonomy, additional funding and academic freedom, strengthening research capacity including human spaceflight work linked to Gaganyaan.
• Established in 2007 with programs aligned to ISRO’s needs, the institute’s prospective elevation has been welcomed by students, researchers and policymakers.