The Ministry of Labour and Employment has instructed Karnataka’s labour department to investigate Infosys over allegations of wrongful termination of trainees. The complaint, filed by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), claims that around 700 trainees hired from campuses over two-and-a-half years ago were unlawfully dismissed.
Infosys’ Response
Infosys has disputed these claims, stating that only around 350 trainees resigned after failing to clear an internal assessment three times, a contractual requirement.
Labour Department’s Action
- Officials visited Infosys’ campuses in Bengaluru and Mysuru on Thursday to assess the situation.
- Discussions were held regarding hiring, training processes, and business conditions that led to the terminations.
- A detailed assessment report is being prepared and will be released in the coming days.
Impact on Trainees
- The terminated trainees were employed as system engineers, earning less than ₹17,000 per month.
- Many trainees from outside Bengaluru, especially those in Mysuru, were left without accommodation after being asked to vacate the campus.
- Some trainees haven’t informed their families, fearing stigma over their sudden termination.
NITES’ Demands
In its formal complaint to the central labour ministry, NITES has accused Infosys of violating the Industrial Disputes Act and demanded:
- A restraining order to stop further terminations.
- Reinstatement of all terminated trainees.
- Compensation for financial and emotional distress.
Concerns for the IT Industry
NITES warns that if Infosys’ actions go unchecked, other corporations may adopt similar exploitative practices, setting a dangerous precedent in the IT sector.
