Infosys Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Alleged Unethical Layoffs of Trainees
Just weeks after dismissing nearly 400 trainees, IT giant Infosys is again under fire for reportedly terminating another 370 trainees on April 18th, citing their failure to clear internal assessments. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a body representing IT professionals, has swiftly responded by filing its second complaint with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, denouncing the company's actions as "illegal and unethical." This marks the third such complaint against Infosys in under seven months, raising serious concerns about the company's treatment of its entry-level workforce.
In its formal complaint, NITES alleges that Infosys bypassed due process in these terminations. The organization claims that no communication was made to the Apprenticeship Adviser, no proper inquiry was conducted into the trainees' performance, and no official termination orders were issued by authorized personnel, as mandated by law. NITES argues that Infosys's conduct not only violates statutory regulations but also disrespects the authority of the Ministry and its associated institutions. Adding to the controversy, reports from NITES and firsthand accounts suggest that Infosys is allegedly pressuring trainees to submit resignations, portraying these involuntary departures as voluntary.
Disturbing details have emerged regarding the termination process. Trainees reportedly received an email on April 18th regarding their final assessment results and were subsequently summoned to Human Resources meetings. During these meetings, they were allegedly asked to surrender their electronic devices, taken to individual cubicles, and coerced into writing their resignations. In exchange for their signatures, the affected trainees were reportedly promised a relieving letter within 15-20 days, along with one month's advance salary and a travel allowance of ₹3,800.
While Infosys has announced support measures for the dismissed trainees, including a month's salary, outplacement services, and further training programs, NITES is demanding stronger action. The organization has petitioned the Ministry to immediately halt any further dismissals of apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), reinstate all recently terminated individuals (including the 370 latest cases), and impose penalties on Infosys for its alleged repeated violations of the Apprentices Act of 1961. NITES is also urging the Ministry to initiate contempt proceedings against Infosys for allegedly defying ministerial authority and to ensure the inclusion of the recently dismissed trainees in the ongoing inquiry by the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region).
