Infosys, an Indian IT services company, has postponed a crucial internal assessment originally scheduled for February 18 at its Mysore campus. The delay comes in response to significant backlash following the termination of hundreds of trainees, which has sparked criticism from employee unions and prompted government intervention.
The assessment was set to involve around 800 employees, with results expected by February 19, 2025, and potential terminations by February 21. After pressure from the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) and other unions, Infosys has rescheduled the assessment for February 24, 2025. A formal announcement was communicated to trainees via email, which has since circulated online.
This postponement provides temporary relief to the affected trainees, giving them more time to prepare amidst ongoing insecurity and uncertainty. Earlier this year, Infosys reportedly terminated over 400 trainees at its Mysore training center. The company stated that these dismissals were due to trainees failing to clear internal assessments, despite being allowed three attempts. Infosys emphasized that its evaluation system, in place for over two decades, is designed to maintain high talent standards for its clients.
However, NITES disputed the company’s explanation, claiming that the number of terminated employees was higher than reported and labeling the dismissals as “illegal, unethical, and in violation of labor laws.” These trainees were inducted in October 2024 but were suddenly asked to leave and given letters of ‘mutual separation.’ They had already waited patiently for two years to be formally onboarded despite receiving offer letters.
What was particularly disappointing was that Infosys had made an internal assessment the basis for these layoffs. In response to the terminations, NITES filed a complaint with the Union Ministry of Labor and Employment. The ministry instructed the Karnataka State Labor Department to investigate the matter and take swift action to protect the affected employees.
The union has also demanded that Infosys adhere to ethical hiring and termination practices and comply with existing labor laws to safeguard employee rights. As of now, Infosys has not issued a public statement regarding the delay of the assessment or addressed the specific allegations raised by NITES and the terminated employees. This silence has left many employees anxious about their future and the company’s stance on fair treatment.
