TCS Bench Policy: NITES Files Complaint Over Mass Employee Distress

The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has filed an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment against Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), raising serious concerns about the company’s recently implemented bench policy. The move follows distress signals from over 78 employees across India who claim the policy has created an unhealthy and coercive work environment.

NITES Flags High Stress During Allocation Phase

The complaint highlights that employees are expected to begin searching for new roles even before their current projects have concluded.

During this period, NITES states that employees must:

• Log timesheets daily
• Attend regular check-ins
• Complete 4–6 hours of mandatory learning modules
• Stay fully available for sudden deployment

The organisation claims this setup has resulted in heightened stress and mental fatigue among employees, with some describing the environment as psychologically taxing.

Read More: What Is Benching in the IT Industry? TCS’s New 35-Day Rule Explained.

NITES Flags Forced Transitions

NITES further alleges that employees who are unable to secure new project assignments within 35 days of being on the bench are being asked to resign. In many instances, employees are reportedly reassigned to roles outside their area of expertise.

Unpaid Variable Pay, Alleged Bias in Hiring

The complaint also points to unresolved compensation issues. NITES claims many TCS employees have not received variable pay for four consecutive quarters, despite fulfilling work commitments. Meanwhile, the company is said to be offering large joining bonuses to external hires, which, according to the complaint, is contributing to discontent among long-standing employees.

NITES Seeks Government Action

NITES asserts that the TCS bench policy places disproportionate responsibility on employees rather than addressing workforce planning issues. It warns that the policy is creating a culture of fear, reduced trust, and declining morale.

Calling for immediate intervention, NITES has urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment to investigate and take corrective action to protect employee welfare.

Read More: TCS New Bench Policy: What’s Driving the Change and Who It Impacts?

Conclusion

The complaint filed by NITES sheds light on growing concerns around the implementation of TCS’s new bench policy, particularly its impact on employee morale, workload expectations, and job security. While TCS has not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised, the matter underscores the importance of transparent and supportive workforce practices in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. As the situation develops, further clarity from both the company and regulators will help determine the path forward.

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