TCS has announced its plan to cut 2% of its global workforce, affecting nearly 12,000 employees. This is being described as one of the company’s largest layoffs in history. CEO K Krithivasan confirmed the development in an interview with Money Control. Known for its stability, TCS is India’s biggest IT services firm, often compared to a government job in terms of job security. But this announcement has sent shockwaves through the tech sector.
TCS has long maintained a reputation for ethics, especially when it comes to employee treatment. Historically, the company has even retained bench employees for extended periods without termination. Recently, however, the bench policy was revised to just 35 days, and now, this mass layoff marks a massive shift. With no financial stress reported, the move appears entirely profit-driven, making the news more unsettling for industry watchers and employees alike.
The fear is that once TCS sets this precedent, other IT majors may soon follow suit, triggering a sector-wide bloodbath. The Indian IT sector forms a vital backbone of the economy, having generated millions of jobs that elevated countless families economically. The spending power of the middle class, largely fueled by IT incomes, has been a primary engine for economic growth. This sudden disruption could significantly affect overall consumer sentiment and spending.
Over the last two decades, IT-related education became a norm, with thousands pursuing computer science and software engineering. But now, the sector is facing a new challenge—artificial intelligence is reducing the need for human labor. Industry experts suggest a shift back to traditional fields like Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering, which might offer better long-term job security. However, implementing this shift quickly is difficult due to existing mindsets and infrastructure.
Adding to the problem, four fresh batches of engineering graduates will pass out over the next four years, most of whom are already locked into IT-focused curriculums. These students will face stiff competition and fewer opportunities, putting enormous pressure on the job market. While other sectors may eventually absorb some of this workforce, the transition will be painful and slow. As layoffs begin to unfold, India must brace for economic and social strain in the near future.
