In a recent development, Infosys, one of India’s leading IT firms, has come under scrutiny for terminating approximately 700 campus recruits who joined the company in October 2024. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), an IT employees’ welfare organization, has raised concerns over the manner in which these layoffs were executed, alleging violations of labor laws and unethical practices.
Background of the Layoffs
The affected employees, primarily from the 2022 engineering batch, had already faced significant delays in their onboarding process, waiting over two years before commencing their roles at Infosys. Upon joining, these recruits underwent internal assessments designed to evaluate their competencies post-training. Infosys maintains that its assessment process, which has been in place for over two decades, allows freshers three attempts to clear the evaluation. Failure to pass after these attempts results in termination, a policy stated in their contracts.
Allegations by NITES
NITES has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour & Employment, asserting that the terminations were conducted without prior notice, severance packages, or adequate support. The organization alleges that Infosys employed intimidation tactics during the layoffs, including:
- Deploying security personnel and bouncers to prevent resistance.
- Confining employees in meeting rooms and pressuring them to sign separation agreements.
- Confiscating mobile phones to prevent documentation of the events.
- Threatening those who raised objections.
NITES President Harpreet Singh Saluja emphasized the emotional and professional toll on the young engineers, stating, “This is not just about job losses. This is about shattered dreams and betrayal, as young professionals were thrown out like outsiders.”
Infosys’ Stance
Infosys has responded to the allegations by reiterating the longstanding nature of its assessment process. The company asserts that all freshers are given three opportunities to clear the assessments and that this protocol is clearly outlined in their employment contracts. According to Infosys, only those who failed to pass after all three attempts were asked to leave.
NITES’ Demands
In its complaint to the Labour Ministry, NITES has called for:
- An immediate investigation into the terminations.
- A restraining order to prevent further dismissals without due process.
- Reinstatement of the affected employees with appropriate compensation.
- Penal action against Infosys for alleged violations of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The organization contends that the layoffs not only breach ethical employment practices but also contravene Indian labor laws.
Conclusion
The situation has ignited a broader discussion about employment practices within India’s IT sector, particularly concerning the treatment of fresh graduates entering the workforce. As the Ministry of Labour & Employment reviews the complaint, the industry awaits further developments to see how such disputes will be addressed in the future.
