The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has received over 100 complaints from former Infosys employees, urging reinstatement and action to prevent future mass dismissals. The escalating issue has prompted the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment to send a second directive to Karnataka’s labour commissioner, pressing for intervention in layoffs at Infosys’ Mysuru campus. The ministry has also demanded a detailed report on actions taken by the state authorities.
Government Steps In After Employee Complaints
In a letter dated February 25, the ministry stated:
“Various complaints addressed to the PMO are enclosed herewith. The applicants request the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s intervention to ensure their reinstatement and prevent similar unfair dismissals in the future.”
While labour law enforcement falls under state jurisdiction, the Union Ministry has urged Karnataka authorities to take appropriate action and update the complainants and government on progress.
The complaints were filed by around 117 individuals, including Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a Pune-based IT employee union, and over 100 former Infosys trainees who were recently terminated.
Labour Officials Assess Infosys Layoffs
Following these complaints, on February 13, Karnataka’s labour department officials conducted an assessment at Infosys’ Bengaluru and Mysuru campuses. This inspection followed a directive from the Union Labour Ministry, instructing the state labour commissioner and secretary to investigate the issue and take urgent action.
The mass terminations were first reported on February 7, when Infosys terminated approximately 700 trainees. These individuals were hired two years ago through campus and off-campus recruitment, but due to hiring delays, they were only onboarded in October 2024. Infosys cited their failure to clear internal assessments as the primary reason for their dismissal, impacting nearly half of the October batch.
Reasons Behind the Layoffs
The layoffs follow a macroeconomic slowdown, which has led IT firms, including Infosys, to cut back on hiring and spending. The company stated that around 350 employees had resigned in recent months, and defended the internal assessment requirement, arguing that it was contractually mandated to ensure a high-quality talent pool for clients. Infosys also claimed to have provided transportation, counselling, and accommodation for impacted trainees.
Also read: Infosys Delays Trainee Assessments Amid Layoff Controversy
Dispute Over Assessment Fairness
Despite Infosys’ explanation, affected employees have challenged the fairness of the internal assessment, alleging that:
- The difficulty level was unexpectedly increased without prior notice.
- Negative marking was introduced without clear communication to trainees.
- Some terminated employees did not receive their relieving letters.
With government intervention intensifying, Infosys now faces growing scrutiny over its workforce management practices. The upcoming labour commissioner’s report will likely determine the next course of action in this ongoing dispute.
