In a shocking move, Infosys, one of India’s top IT companies, fired over 400 trainees in February 2025 after they failed internal tests. This decision has caused anger and concern among employees and the public.
Let’s explain what happened, why it’s a big deal, and what it means for the Indian IT sector.
What Happened?
- October 2024: Around 930 trainees joined Infosys at their Mysore campus.
- February 2025: Over 400 of these trainees were fired after failing internal assessments.
- How It Happened:
- Trainees were called in groups of 50 for meetings.
- Their phones were taken away to prevent recordings.
- They were asked to sign confidentiality agreements.
Trainees’ Experiences
Many trainees faced tough situations after being fired. For example:
- One trainee from Madhya Pradesh was left stranded with no place to stay after being denied permission to stay overnight at the campus.
- Trainees said the training program was much harder compared to previous years.
- The syllabus was broader, and they had less time to complete tasks.
- Some trainers even hinted that the tests would be very tough.
Why Did Infosys Do This?
Infosys says they have strict hiring rules to ensure they hire the best talent. They claim:
- Every new employee gets three chances to pass internal tests.
- This policy has been in place for decades.
- However, the failure rate this time was 30-40%, much higher than the usual 10%.
Despite this, Infosys hasn’t responded to specific complaints from the fired trainees.
Backlash from Unions and Employees
The IT employees union is furious about the layoffs. They say:
- This is the exploitation of workers.
- They plan to file a legal complaint with the labour department to hold Infosys accountable.
Public Reaction on Social Media
People on social media are angry and demanding answers. Many are calling for:
- Better worker protections.
- Changes in hiring practices to make them fairer.
This backlash could hurt Infosys’s reputation.
What Does This Mean for the IT Sector?
This incident raises big questions about worker rights in India’s IT industry. It shows:
- Companies need to balance high standards with fair treatment of employees.
- There’s a need for stronger laws to protect workers from sudden layoffs.
Key Takeaways
- Over 400 trainees were fired by Infosys after failing internal tests.
- Trainees faced tough conditions, including a harder training program and sudden layoffs.
- Infosys defends its actions, saying strict hiring ensures quality.
- Unions and the public are demanding accountability and better worker protections.
What’s Next?
- The IT employees union is taking legal action.
- Public pressure may force Infosys to rethink its policies.
- This case could lead to stronger worker protection laws in India.
Why This Matters
This incident is a wake-up call for the IT industry. Companies must treat employees fairly, and the government must ensure workers’ rights are protected. Let’s hope this leads to positive changes in the future.