TCS Manager Exit Sparks Employee Outcry

Introduction
A troubling account from a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee has stirred debate across India’s tech corridors. The employee claims that his manager, with over 14 years of experience, was forced to resign without severance pay after being labeled a “non-billable resource.” This incident, shared anonymously online, has raised serious questions about workplace ethics, project planning, and employee treatment in large IT firms.

The Allegation
According to the post, the manager was leading a team tasked with modernizing 15 legacy applications for an American client. These applications, built on outdated IBM systems, were tightly coupled and difficult to upgrade. Despite technical warnings, the management allegedly pushed the team to deliver results within an unrealistic timeline.

Project Pressure
The team was expanded overnight to 10 members and given just one month to complete the modernization. The project was outcome-based, meaning TCS would only be paid if the client’s demands were met. After four months of effort, the team concluded that none of the applications could be modernized without a complete rebuild.

Immediate Termination
The manager was then terminated on grounds of “poor performance” and “inability to deliver.” The employee claims that the manager was asked to resign immediately, without severance pay, and was denied the standard notice period. This decision, the employee says, was made despite the manager’s long service and family responsibilities.

Emotional Fallout
The post describes the termination as “unfair, unethical, and heartbreaking.” It highlights how loyal employees are being punished for management’s unrealistic expectations and poor planning. The manager, reportedly married with two daughters, was left without support or compensation.

Industry Reaction
The story has sparked widespread reactions from IT professionals. Many have criticized the culture of overpromising to clients and scapegoating employees when projects fail. Others have warned fresh graduates to reconsider careers in IT, citing increasing job insecurity.

Bench Policy Concerns
TCS recently introduced a new bench policy that limits the time employees can remain unassigned to projects. This policy has reportedly led to forced resignations and terminations, especially among mid-level professionals. Employees say they are being pressured to resign or face termination without documentation.

Legal and Ethical Questions
Unions and labor experts argue that forced resignations violate employee rights. They emphasize that companies cannot legally compel employees to resign and that such actions may be challenged under labor laws. However, once an employee resigns voluntarily, legal options become limited.

A Broader Pattern
This incident is not isolated. Multiple employees have shared similar experiences, pointing to a pattern of coercion and mismanagement. The lack of severance pay, denial of notice periods, and pressure tactics have become common complaints.

Call for Reform
Industry observers are calling for greater transparency and accountability in IT firms. They urge companies to respect employee rights, plan projects realistically, and avoid outcome-based contracts that put undue pressure on teams.

Conclusion
The story of the TCS manager’s forced resignation is a stark reminder of the human cost of corporate decisions. It underscores the need for ethical leadership, fair treatment, and responsible project management. As India’s tech industry evolves, it must ensure that its growth does not come at the expense of its people.