TCS Onboarding Delays: 600+ Hires Affected, NITES Seeks Govt Help

New Delhi – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is facing mounting pressure after over 600 experienced professionals find themselves in an indefinite limbo, despite holding formal offer letters from the IT major. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has stepped in, urging the Union Labour Ministry to intervene and address the severe distress caused by these onboarding delays.

In a letter sent to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on July 22, NITES highlighted the alarming lack of communication from TCS regarding the joining timelines for these "lateral hires," many of whom possess substantial experience ranging from two to 18 years.

The situation has left many tech professionals in a precarious position. Having formally resigned from their previous employers, they are now without jobs, struggling to meet financial commitments like EMIs, rent, and other installments.

"Beyond the financial strain, the emotional and psychological distress caused by this sudden state of uncertainty is deeply worrying," said Harpreet Singh Saluja, president of NITES and an advocate at the Bombay High Court, as quoted by a TOI report. "Every day, we receive desperate calls and emails from professionals who feel abandoned and deceived."

TCS Acknowledges Delays, Reaffirms Commitment

In response to the growing concerns, TCS has reiterated its commitment to honor all outstanding offers. The tech giant stated, "We can confirm that, as always, TCS is committed to all offers we have made, whether it is to freshers or experienced professionals. Everyone who has received an offer from TCS, will be onboarded."

TCS further explained that "joining dates are decided as per business demand and in some cases, they do get adjusted to meet our business needs. We remain in continuous touch with all candidates in these cases and look forward to them joining our company soon."

NITES Demands Government Intervention and Support

NITES is not just seeking clearer timelines. The organization has formally requested the Labour Ministry to press TCS for financial compensation to cover the waiting period for affected candidates. Additionally, they are advocating for access to mental health support through TCS’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and consideration for alternative roles within the company for those impacted by the delays.

The intervention from NITES underscores the significant human cost of these corporate decisions, leaving many professionals in a state of anxiety and financial hardship.