There is a budget for ISRO because UPA has given ISRO a budget. If UPA/ COngress had not given the budget, created the departments, paid for the salaries, paid for the facilities and the programs, there would be no ISRO. No one in INdia asked congress to create/ invest in space. The average Indian DOESN'T CARE and there are no votes here. Congress was not elected to make rockets, but to take leadership decisions- create and maintain a body of scientific experts who will do this for the country even if most ordinary people don't know anything about these things. In nuruting ISRO as a professional organization, keeping them focussed and supporting them to the hilt, there are few leaderships as good as Indian.
And yeah 'Kennedy Pushed NASA' my a$$. He's done what COngress is doing set high ambitions- GPS equivalent, Mars/ Moon landing, Human Space Flight. They have not only set these ambitions, but also given REAL CASH and institutions to achieve it (Every single penny with ISRO today is from the union budget). They're not like pakistan, saying big big things not giving money. They're not like Brazil, lots of money but little real progress because of lack of consistent leadership support. Through thick and thin, they've kept the agency both funded and focussed.
Like I said- GSLV first flew in 2001 , we're in 2013 each launch failure cost us 400 crores in rocket alone, forget the satellites. If no one is losing their job, if there are no 'shake-ups', if there are no restrictions (let's not go to mars now but just focus on what we have), that's coz of a VERY mature approach to the whole business by the Congress. I don't know any other country where this will happen.
No one elected them to make rockets, but to develop the country. And building rockets and nurturing science is part of it. They are doing what is the minimum expectation from them. I cannot praise them for doing something what I expect them to do. Hell, they consider allowing computers in late 80's to be an extraordinary achievement.
And comparison of Kennedy and Indian govt is utterly wrong. He sat the target of moon in 60's. India has target of a working cryogenic 50 years later. Why do you compare with Brazil and Pakistan. Why not China, Korea and Japan? Everything aside, look at how these govts fostered science and tech.
All Indian govt (politicians) have done is giving right people (not all) authority, and not interfere (not always) with them. Why do you want to praise them for it? Did you not expect even this much? In fact, I would criticize them for several 'mishaps', which otherwise would have led to a much better scientific/technological growth in country.
As far as science is concerned, India is utterly dependent on foreign countries. Has to import from pin to plane. It has failed to produce even the most basic equipments. Go in any lab, a lot of stuff would be imported. I am talking about basic stuff. Optical tables, lenses, crystals, lasers, fibers etc. There is not even a commercial chip manufacturing industry.
If I remember correctly, after Soviet collapse, Indian govt was requested to accommodate the out of work scientists. Siting some reasons, GOI was not able to do it. Now think where would Indian agencies would be, had the experienced Russian scientists working there?
Another example, what is the coordination between research agencies (DRDO et al) and defence forces? Do I need to elaborate?
Do you know HAL, HSL, MDL etc were private companies. Were much more productive while they were. Says a lot about the influence of govt. HAL had developed Marut in 60s. Govt has done a nice job of keeping the knowledge and experience intact! The list is so long..
Despite 62', and knowing the two front threat, it was in 70s that govt gave a target to get self reliant in missiles. That too, short range one. Compared to that, Chins started developing ICBM in 65'. I have no idea why would you praise Indian govt in anything on science. We have ambiguous policies, snail paced development, abysmal infra, and what not. Off course, you can always have lower standards in mind, and feel good about achieving them.