India’s largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is facing mounting criticism over its ongoing workforce restructuring. While the company officially announced 12,000 job cuts earlier this year, investigative reports and employee testimonies suggest the real number may have already crossed 30,000, with fears that layoffs could reach 1 lakh by 2026.
Allegations of “Forced Resignation”
- Employees allege the existence of a secretive “Fluidity List” used to identify staff for termination.
- Several workers claim they were called into meetings, asked to surrender company assets, and coerced into submitting resignation letters without notice.
- Severance packages were reportedly denied in many cases, especially for those deemed “non-billable” or benched beyond 35 days.
“Forcing an employee to write a resignation letter unwillingly is plain ruthless and unethical,” read one whistleblower post on Reddit.
Who’s Most Affected?
- Mid-career professionals earning above ₹18 lakh annually and graded ‘C’ in performance cycles are reportedly targeted.
- Freshers and lateral hires have also faced abrupt offer withdrawals, sometimes on their joining day.
- Employees nearing retirement or major life events (e.g., weddings) have been laid off without warning.
Company Response
TCS CEO K. Krithivasan has denied that the layoffs are driven by automation or cost-cutting. Instead, he cites “skill mismatches” and the need to keep employees project-ready throughout the year. The company claims impacted staff will receive severance, insurance extensions, and outplacement support—but many say these promises remain unfulfilled.
Civic and Industry Impact
- Labor Ministry Alert: Government officials are reportedly reviewing the legality of forced resignations and severance gaps.
- IT Sector Morale: The layoffs have shaken confidence in India’s tech job market, especially among mid-level professionals.
- Public Sentiment: Social media backlash has intensified, with calls for greater transparency and a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).