The Telangana IT Association (TITA) has sent a representation to the IT companies listing out a slew of measures that should be taken by the companies and the state government.

This move is taken in view of the layoffs in the IT sector expected to get bigger, and to make the severance process less painful for employees facing the axe.

The representation letter includes a severance pay of six months, avoiding poor performance ratings, extending the company provided insurance policies for an year after the termination of employment, coverage under Aarogyasri for employees with serious health issue and absorption of few laid-off employees in government department among others.

TITA president Sundeep Kumar Makthala said “It has been observed that the industry is reducing the ratings of the employees to be sacked. However, due to the poor performance of the companies layoffs are not happening.” “We feel measures should be taken to protect the employees and we have advised the companies not to reduce ratings, as they would arise during the background verification process when they apply for jobs in the future.”

The TITA representation sent to the managements of IT companies and the Telangana government read that the IT body has demanded that companies continue life and health insurance policies for the affected employees for atleast a year from the date of termination of employment. “Due to dearth of the projects in the market, in most of the cases, the employees might not be able to get another job immediately. If an insurance requirement crops up in the meantime, they will be left with no support system.”

The TITA also wants the state government to extend the benefits of welfare schemes such as Aarogyasri to the laid-off employees facing serious health issues or those with ailing dependents. The employment options should also be given within the company like change in project, to such employees, instead of removing them completely, urged TITA.

SUPRAJA