FITE Seeks SIT Probe into IT Job Scams in Pune
The Forum for IT Employees (FITE), Maharashtra, has written to senior state government officials requesting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a series of alleged job scams involving several technology firms. Based on complaints from employees, FITE claims that thousands of freshers have been cheated over the past few months through schemes promising employment in the IT sector in exchange for money.
Scope of the Scam
In its letter, FITE highlighted the actions of seven IT companies and estimated that about 4,000 freshers were affected. First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against five of these companies, and their owners were detained, according to FITE. However, the organization believes this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“We have barely scratched the surface; around 20-30 such fraudulent companies are taking advantage of jobless freshers. The modus operandi remains the same — they take money from students as deposits and pay no salary for months. We estimate that about 10,000 freshers and job seekers may have been affected by such fraudulent recruitment practices,” said Pavanjit Mane, president of FITE.
Victim's Account
A 27-year-old youth from Chandrapur shared his ordeal: “I had taken a loan to pay the company a direct placement fee of Rs 1.4 lakh. They had promised a CTC of Rs 4 lakh per annum, but I have not got a single rupee from the company. These scams are making life very tough for freshers like me.”
Demand for SIT Investigation
FITE is seeking a comprehensive SIT investigation into these “organized job scams” to identify all individuals and entities involved. It also wants recovery of funds wherever possible and strict legal action against the perpetrators.
Government Response
The labour department in Pune has initiated a survey in Hinjewadi IT park to ascertain whether the companies involved in the alleged job scams are registered with relevant authorities. Appropriate action would be taken against companies lacking proper registration, said Nikhil Walke, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Pune.
S T Shirke, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Pune, noted the need to establish stronger monitoring mechanisms for recruitment agencies, consultancies, and private IT firms to prevent exploitation of freshers.
Recent Incident
At least 500 IT engineers, employees, and interns were rendered jobless after a Noida-registered IT company shut down its divisional branch in Hinjewadi without notice on April 22. The Pune labour department has sought details of the IT company from the police. Labour officials found the company premises locked during their visit.
