In a major escalation, the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has filed an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, voicing concerns about Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) newly implemented bench policy. The union has cited more than 78 cases of employee grievances across India, highlighting growing unrest over forced transitions, high stress levels, and job insecurity.
Daily Pressure and Mental Fatigue During Allocation Phase
According to NITES, TCS employees are expected to start searching for new projects even before their current assignments have concluded. This transition period, known internally as the “allocation phase,” has become a source of extreme pressure. Employees are reportedly required to:
- Log daily timesheets
- Participate in regular check-ins
- Complete 4–6 hours of mandatory training modules
- Remain fully available for sudden deployment
This combination of workload and uncertainty is allegedly leading to mental exhaustion and psychological stress, creating what NITES describes as an “unhealthy and coercive” environment.
35-Day Rule and Forced Resignations
The most controversial aspect of the new policy is the 35-day rule. Employees who fail to secure a new project within this timeframe are allegedly being pressured to resign, regardless of their past performance or specialization. NITES also alleges that some are being reassigned to unrelated roles outside their expertise—further demoralizing the workforce.
Pay Disparity and Internal Discontent
Adding to the turmoil is the issue of unpaid variable compensation. According to the complaint, TCS has withheld variable pay for four consecutive quarters, even from employees who met their performance benchmarks. Meanwhile, the company is offering lucrative joining bonuses to external candidates, leading to frustration among existing staff who feel overlooked and underappreciated.
NITES Calls for Government Intervention
NITES is urging the Ministry of Labour to investigate the matter and take corrective measures. The union asserts that the policy places undue pressure on employees while failing to address internal workforce planning challenges. It warns that the current setup could damage employee trust and corporate culture in the long run.
Conclusion
The unfolding controversy around TCS’s bench policy reveals a deeper conversation around employee treatment, job security, and mental wellness in the IT sector. While TCS has not yet responded to the allegations, the situation highlights the urgent need for transparent, balanced, and humane HR practices in India’s tech industry. All eyes are now on regulators to ensure fair play and protect worker rights in one of the country’s largest employers.
