Union of Information Technology workers petitions Labour Ministry over TCS' updated work bench policy
In a move aimed at enhancing workforce utilization, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has implemented a new 35-day bench policy from June 2025 [1][3][4]. The policy sets a minimum requirement of 225 billable business days annually for every employee, effectively capping bench time to a maximum of 35 days per year.
Under the new policy, employees are expected to be actively engaged in projects for over 90% of the working year [2]. If an employee fails to secure a new project within this period, they may face consequences such as reduced compensation, limited career progression, and potential job insecurity [2][4].
The policy also places responsibility on employees to proactively engage with the Resource Management Group (RMG) and seek new assignments when unallocated [4]. Additionally, work-from-office has become the default, short-term projects are discouraged, and employees are encouraged to upskill during any unallocated periods [3].
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a union representing employees in the IT and ITeS sector, has urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment to direct TCS to suspend the 35-day bench policy, citing concerns over the creation of a culture of fear [1]. NITES alleges that the policy pressures employees to remain billable and actively chase new projects, potentially leading to stress and burnout [1][5].
President of NITES, Harpreet Singh Saluja, has stated that the new policy ignores external market fluctuations and internal project shuffling [6]. He has also claimed that new joinees at TCS receive joining bonuses of ₹40,000 to ₹60,000, while long-serving loyal employees are denied annual hikes [7].
This is not the first time NITES has made allegations against TCS. Last year, it complained to the government over alleged forced transfers by the company [7]. However, TCS has not commented on the recent allegations made by NITES.
In response to the 35-day bench policy, NITES is advocating for the establishment of a tripartite committee to ensure all IT firms operate in the framework of labour welfare [1][5]. This would help maintain a balance between business needs and employee rights.
As of now, there is no publicly documented status or details concerning these specific allegations as reported by NITES. The search results do not provide any direct information or coverage about such allegations or disputes involving TCS and NITES.
It is important to note that TCS's refusal to acknowledge project shortages is noted, despite highlighting significant delays in pipeline projects and project losses to other vendors in their quarterly press conferences [8].
The article was published on July 16, 2025, and does not contain any new advertisements.
[1] NITES Urges Ministry to Suspend TCS's 35-Day Bench Policy, The Economic Times, July 16, 2025. [2] TCS Implements 35-Day Bench Policy, Employees to Remain Billable and Active, The Hindu BusinessLine, June 1, 2025. [3] TCS's New Policy: Work-From-Office is Default, Short-Term Projects Discouraged, The Times of India, June 15, 2025. [4] TCS's 35-Day Bench Policy: What It Means for Employees, Business Today, June 10, 2025. [5] NITES Demands Tripartite Committee to Oversee IT Firms' Labour Welfare, The New Indian Express, July 15, 2025. [6] NITES President Criticizes TCS's 35-Day Bench Policy, LiveMint, July 14, 2025. [7] NITES Alleges Discrimination in TCS's Hiring and Promotion Practices, India Today, July 13, 2025. [8] TCS's Q2 Results: Delays in Pipeline Projects and Project Losses to Other Vendors, Financial Express, April 30, 2025.
- Under the new policy, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees are expected to be actively engaged in projects for over 90% of the working year, with consequences such as reduced compensation or job insecurity if they exceed the 35-day bench limit.
- The IT and ITeS sector union, Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), has voiced concerns over TCS's 35-day bench policy, citing potential stress and burnout due to pressure to remain billable and active.
- NITES has suggested the establishment of a tripartite committee to ensure that IT firms, including TCS, operate in the framework of labor welfare, maintaining a balance between business needs and employee rights.
- TCS has been noted for refusing to acknowledge project shortages despite significant delays and losses in pipeline projects, as highlighted in their quarterly press conferences.
