The Kerala IT Employees Forum, Prathidhwani, has raised concerns over rising lay-offs and forceful terminations in the state's information technology sector. Rajeev Krishnan G R, secretary of Prathidhwani, revealed that many companies are circumventing formal lay-off procedures by compelling employees to quit voluntarily through interstate transfers.
Companies Using Transfers to Force Resignations
According to Rajeev Krishnan G R, instead of issuing termination notices, firms are reassigning employees to branches in other states. This tactic pressures workers to resign rather than relocate, effectively bypassing legal and financial obligations associated with lay-offs. The practice has been reported across multiple IT firms operating in Kerala.
Impact on Employee Morale and Job Security
The forum highlighted that such actions create a climate of fear and uncertainty among tech professionals. Employees face the dilemma of uprooting their families or losing their jobs, with no severance benefits. Prathidhwani has called for regulatory intervention to protect workers' rights and ensure transparency in workforce reductions.
The trend reflects broader challenges in the Indian IT sector, which has seen significant workforce restructuring amid global economic pressures. Kerala, known for its skilled talent pool, is particularly affected as companies seek cost-cutting measures.
