Cognizant Faces Backlash Over Job Postings Offering Freshers a Salary of ₹2.52 Lakh
In recent news, Cognizant, one of the leading IT services companies, has found itself at the center of a social media storm. The company posted job openings for fresh graduates, offering an annual salary of ₹2.52 lakh. This figure, equivalent to approximately ₹21,000 per month, quickly drew widespread criticism and trolling across various online platforms. The low salary package, especially from a multinational giant like Cognizant, sparked debates about the state of entry-level compensation in India's IT industry.
The Social Media Backlash
As soon as the job postings were made public, social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook became flooded with memes, sarcastic comments, and critical posts. Many users expressed their disbelief at the low salary being offered to freshers, questioning how such a package could be considered competitive in today's job market.
On Twitter, hashtags like #CognizantSalary, #FreshersDeserveBetter, and #PayFairly trended as users voiced their frustrations. Memes depicting the stark contrast between the expected lifestyle of an IT professional and the reality of such a low starting salary gained significant traction. LinkedIn, typically a more professional platform, also saw an influx of posts criticizing Cognizant’s pay structure. Many professionals and industry experts shared their disappointment, noting that such low salaries could demotivate fresh talent and deter them from pursuing careers in IT.
Why Are Freshers Paid So Little?
The issue of low starting salaries is not unique to Cognizant; it is a broader problem in the Indian IT industry. Several factors contribute to this trend:
High Supply of Fresh Graduates: India produces a vast number of engineering graduates each year, leading to a high supply of entry-level candidates. This oversupply gives employers the leverage to offer lower salaries since there is always someone willing to accept the job.
Cost-Cutting Measures: Companies are under constant pressure to reduce operational costs. Offering lower salaries to freshers is one way to keep expenses down, especially for roles that do not require specialized skills.
Training Costs: Many companies argue that freshers require significant training and mentorship before they can contribute effectively. This investment in training is often cited as a reason for offering lower starting salaries.
Economic Conditions: The broader economic climate also plays a role. During periods of economic slowdown or uncertainty, companies may tighten their budgets, including the salaries they offer to new hires.
Salary Comparison with Other Jobs
When comparing the ₹2.52 lakh salary offered by Cognizant to other sectors, the disparity becomes even more evident. For instance, entry-level positions in sectors like finance, consulting, and even some non-IT roles often offer significantly higher packages.
- Finance: Fresh graduates in finance roles, especially in investment banking or consulting, can expect starting salaries ranging from ₹6 lakh to ₹12 lakh per annum, depending on the company and role.
- Consulting: Entry-level consultants often start with packages of around ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh per annum, with the potential for rapid growth.
- Non-IT Corporate Roles: Even in non-IT corporate roles such as marketing, human resources, and sales, freshers can expect starting salaries in the range of ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per annum.
These comparisons highlight the stark differences in compensation across industries, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of such low pay in the IT sector.
The Broader Implications
The backlash against Cognizant's job postings is a reflection of a larger issue within the IT industry. While cost-cutting and high graduate supply are valid concerns, there is also a need to ensure that freshers are paid fairly for their work. Low salaries can lead to high attrition rates, low morale, and a lack of loyalty among employees. Moreover, it can also discourage talented individuals from pursuing careers in IT, leading to a potential talent drain in the future.
As the industry evolves, companies like Cognizant may need to re-evaluate their compensation structures to remain competitive and attractive to top talent. Ensuring that freshers are paid fairly is not just about offering a competitive salary; it’s about recognizing the value they bring to the organization and investing in their growth and development.
In conclusion, the trolling of Cognizant over its ₹2.52 lakh job postings is a wake-up call for the IT industry. It underscores the need for a more equitable approach to entry-level compensation, one that reflects the skills, potential, and hard work of fresh graduates. As the conversation continues online, it remains to be seen whether companies will take this feedback to heart and make meaningful changes in their pay structures.
