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Labour Ministry Partners with Zomato to Generate 2.5 Lakh Jobs Annually, Boost Gig Economy

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In a move to strengthen India’s gig economy and expand employment opportunities, the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with food delivery platform Zomato. The collaboration aims to create around 2.5 lakh flexible job opportunities every year through the National Career Service (NCS) portal. The MoU was formalised in the presence of Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya. The initiative seeks to integrate gig and platform-based roles into the formal employment framework, thereby connecting youth and women jobseekers to dignified, technology-driven livelihood options. Mandaviya highlighted that the NCS portal, launched in 2015, has already facilitated over 7.7 crore job vacancies, serving as a critical link between employers and job seekers across sectors. The partnership with Zomato, he said, will further expand this ecosystem, benefitting both organisations and millions of job aspirants nationwide. Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring social protection for every worker — organised and unorganised alike. She added that the MoU aligns with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) and the larger vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which focuses on employment formalisation and universal social security. Under the newly introduced ‘Aggregator’ category, Zomato will regularly list flexible livelihood options for gig and delivery workers on the NCS portal, offering structured and real-time access to earning opportunities. In the past year, the ministry has entered into similar partnerships with 14 major organisations, including Amazon, Swiggy, Rapido, Zepto, Apna.co, FoundIT, TeamLease, and others — collectively creating more than five lakh employment opportunities across the country. Source: PTI

Labour Ministry Partners with Zomato to Generate 2.5 Lakh Jobs Annually, Boost Gig Economy Read More »

SBI Targets 30% Female Workforce by 2030 to Strengthen Gender Diversity

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The State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest public sector lender, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance gender diversity across its workforce, with a goal of increasing women’s representation to 30% by 2030. Currently, women comprise about 27% of SBI’s total staff, although they account for roughly one-third (33%) of frontline roles. The bank aims to close this gap over the next five years through targeted initiatives, said Kishore Kumar Poludasu, Deputy Managing Director (HR) and Chief Development Officer (CDO), in an interview with PTI. With over 2.4 lakh employees — the highest in India’s banking sector — SBI’s focus on inclusivity reflects its broader vision of empowering women across all professional levels. “We are committed to fostering a workplace where women thrive, with equal opportunities for leadership and growth,” Poludasu said. To achieve this, the bank has implemented several women-centric policies and programmes. These include a creche allowance for working mothers, family connect initiatives, and training modules designed to help women transition smoothly after maternity, sabbatical, or long medical leaves. A key component of SBI’s diversity strategy is its flagship initiative, ‘Empower Her’, which identifies, mentors, and prepares women for leadership roles through structured coaching and leadership labs. This programme aims to build a strong talent pipeline of women leaders for future executive positions. Addressing health and wellness, the bank has introduced specific programmes such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, nutrition allowances for expectant mothers, and a Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive. These efforts are part of SBI’s larger goal to promote the physical and emotional well-being of its female workforce. Highlighting inclusivity in action, SBI operates over 340 all-women branches nationwide — a number expected to grow as part of its empowerment drive. Women are now well represented across geographies and hierarchies, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to equality and workplace safety. SBI’s gender-focused policies are complemented by its broader digital and operational transformation. The bank continues to leverage technology to enhance customer experience and efficiency, backed by a robust pool of IT specialists. Recognised among the top 50 global banks by asset size, SBI has also been consistently acknowledged as one of the country’s best employers. Source: PTI

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TCS Announces 100% Variable Pay for Junior Employees Amid Steady Growth in Q2FY26

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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, has announced the rollout of its quarterly variable allowance (QVA), with junior employees set to receive 100% of their entitlement. The company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Sudeep Kunnumal, confirmed the development in an internal communication, highlighting that mid- and senior-level employees will also see a higher payout compared to last year. Kunnumal noted that annual salary revisions for employees up to grade C3A have been implemented effective September 25, with top performers securing double-digit increments. Typically, employees in grades C, C1, and C2—considered the junior band—receive both annual hikes and full variable pay, while those in senior roles have performance-linked payouts. “All associates up to grade C2 under the QVA plan will receive 100% of their quarterly variable allowance,” Kunnumal said in his message. “For grades C3A and above, the payouts will vary based on business performance, though the overall payout for this group will exceed last year’s levels.” In its second-quarter financial results for FY26, TCS reported a 3.8% sequential dip in net profit to ₹12,075 crore, down from ₹12,760 crore in the previous quarter. However, revenue rose 3.7% quarter-on-quarter to ₹65,799 crore, with constant currency growth of 0.8%. The IT giant also saw a reduction of nearly 20,000 employees during the September quarter, even as it doubled its talent base in advanced AI and machine learning skills to 1,59,000 professionals compared to the same period last year. Source: Economic Times

TCS Announces 100% Variable Pay for Junior Employees Amid Steady Growth in Q2FY26 Read More »

Salaries in India set to climb 9% in 2026 despite global slowdown: Aon survey

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Amid global economic headwinds, salaries in India are projected to rise by 9% in 2026, driven by strong domestic demand, steady investments, and supportive government policies, according to Aon’s Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2025–26. The forecast represents a slight uptick from the 8.9% average salary growth recorded in 2025, highlighting the continued resilience of India’s economy even as many other markets experience slower expansion. The 30th edition of Aon’s survey draws insights from 1,060 organisations across 45 industries, revealing significant variations in salary hikes by sector. Real estate and infrastructure firms are expected to see the steepest pay increases at 10.9%, followed closely by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) at 10%. Other key sectors — including automotive, engineering design services, retail, and life sciences — are likely to post average salary hikes of around 9.6–9.7%, reflecting ongoing investments in critical and skilled talent areas. “India’s growth narrative remains strong, propelled by infrastructure investments and policy support. Organisations are adopting a strategic approach to compensation to ensure sustainable growth and workforce stability amid global uncertainty,” said Roopank Chaudhary, Partner and Rewards Consulting Leader, Talent Solutions, India at Aon. The report also notes a continued decline in employee attrition, which fell to 17.1% in 2025 from 17.7% in 2024 and 18.7% in 2023 — signaling greater workforce stability. With reduced churn, companies are increasingly focusing on upskilling and development initiatives to strengthen their talent pipelines and prepare for future growth opportunities. Source: PTI

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Goa Unveils New Startup Policy 2025 to Boost Innovation and Employment

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The Goa government has launched an ambitious Startup Policy 2025 aimed at transforming the state into India’s “Creative Capital” by nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative targets the creation of 1,000 startups and 10,000 new jobs for Goans while extending strong support to women entrepreneurs, a state official announced. The policy, introduced by the Department of State Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITEC), focuses on fostering innovation through venture funding, government-industry collaborations, and partnerships with incubators, corporates, and academic institutions. Goa, which already hosts 696 DPIIT-recognised startups, is positioning itself as an emerging hub for technology and creativity. Vision and Key Goals With a goal to establish Goa as a leading startup destination by 2028, the policy outlines specific targets — including enabling 100 startups to secure venture capital, promoting collaboration between 50 startups and government bodies, and strengthening connections across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Key Schemes and Incentives The policy introduces several initiatives to encourage innovation and skill development: Campus Innovation Scheme: Offers grants to students for entrepreneurial or research-based projects, reimbursing project development costs. Skill Enhancement Scheme: Provides reimbursement for professional training in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. Infrastructure Support: Encourages collaboration with private players and educational institutions to establish IT labs, Maker Labs, Centres of Excellence, and Innovation Hubs. Women Entrepreneurship Support: Launches a dedicated mentoring and funding programme, offering monthly allowances to women-led startups working on innovative solutions. Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme: Offers financial aid for startups participating in government-supported exhibitions and trade shows, covering a substantial portion of related expenses.  Officials said the Goa Startup Policy 2025 aims to build a robust innovation-driven environment that inspires the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creators. “This policy will serve as a catalyst for transforming Goa into a global hub for creativity, technology, and innovation — firmly establishing the state as the Creative Capital of India,” the DITEC spokesperson added. Source: PTI

Goa Unveils New Startup Policy 2025 to Boost Innovation and Employment Read More »

Citigroup Shifts Nearly 1,000 Tech Roles to India After China Job Cuts

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Citigroup has relocated around 1,000 technology positions to its Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India following major layoffs in China, according to people familiar with the development. The transition, carried out in phases over the past few months, comes as part of the Wall Street bank’s ongoing global restructuring strategy. While Citi has not officially commented on the move, sources indicate that the decision aligns with a broader trend of multinational banks shifting more back-end and technology functions to India. The shift could accelerate further after former US President Donald Trump’s surprise policy proposal to charge $100,000 for new H-1B visa applications, making offshore support centres even more attractive. India’s GCC ecosystem has grown rapidly, now valued at about $64 billion, according to EY. Citigroup already employs roughly 33,000 professionals in India, mainly across hubs in Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Mumbai. In June, Citi revealed plans to trim its China technology workforce by approximately 3,500 roles under its global simplification drive. The latest transfer of jobs to India is a key part of that transition. Source: Bloomberg

Citigroup Shifts Nearly 1,000 Tech Roles to India After China Job Cuts Read More »

Coal India to Reward Non-Executive Workers with ₹1.03 Lakh Bonus Ahead of Festive Season

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State-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced a performance-linked reward (PLR) of ₹1.03 lakh for its non-executive employees ahead of the festive season. The decision, which also covers workers of its subsidiaries and state-run Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), will benefit over 2.48 lakh employees in total. According to the Ministry of Coal, the incentive was finalized during the 6th meeting of the Joint Bipartite Committee’s standardisation panel. The payout is aimed at recognising the dedication and contribution of non-executive workers who form the backbone of coal mining operations. The PLR will be disbursed on a pro-rata basis linked to attendance and will involve a financial outlay of ₹2,153.82 crore for CIL and ₹380 crore for SCCL. Of the total beneficiaries, around 2.1 lakh are CIL employees and 38,000 are SCCL workers. Officials noted that the reward not only ensures fair compensation but also boosts morale, productivity, and job satisfaction among the workforce. With CIL accounting for more than 80% of India’s coal output, the move underscores its role in securing energy needs while supporting worker welfare. The ministry highlighted that this initiative reflects the commitment of CIL and the government towards employee motivation, welfare, and building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Source: PTI

Coal India to Reward Non-Executive Workers with ₹1.03 Lakh Bonus Ahead of Festive Season Read More »

UK Plans Visa Fee Waiver to Attract Global Science and Tech Talent: Report

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The UK government is reportedly considering a visa fee waiver as part of its push to attract top global talent in science, research, and technology, according to a Financial Times report on Monday. The proposal comes under the Global Talent Taskforce, a body launched in June and directly reporting to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. It is supported by a £54 million Global Talent Fund designed to cover relocation and research costs for exceptional individuals and their teams over five years. A senior government official told the newspaper that the idea of cutting visa fees “to zero” was being explored to target individuals from leading global universities or winners of internationally recognized awards. The move comes as the US, under President Donald Trump, imposed a steep one-time $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa applications—widely used by the American tech sector, with Indians being among the largest beneficiaries. Chaired by Varun Chandra, the PM’s business adviser, alongside Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance, the taskforce aims to simplify the UK’s Global Talent Visa route, which has long been criticized for being overly bureaucratic. The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the initiative sends a “clear signal” that Britain wants to remain a global hub for innovation by drawing in world-class researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, engineers, and creatives. “Competition for elite talent is fierce,” former business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds said at the launch, stressing that the policy would boost innovation in critical sectors, create jobs, and strengthen the economy. While the government says the plan supports its Immigration White Paper to fast-track “the brightest and best” into high-growth industries while limiting overall migration, opposition voices are pushing back. On Monday, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party vowed to scrap the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if it comes to power, accusing the system of being misused and pledging a tougher citizenship process with higher salary thresholds. Downing Street dismissed these proposals as divisive and unworkable. Source: PTI

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Hyundai to Raise Employee Pay by ₹31,000 Over Three Years

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Hyundai Motor India has finalized a long-term wage settlement that will boost monthly salaries of its technician and workmen cadre by ₹31,000, spread across three years from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027. The agreement, signed with the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE), outlines that the increment will be rolled out in phases — 55% in the first year, followed by 25% in the second year, and 20% in the final year. The company highlighted that this is one of the most competitive pay hikes in the industry. Alongside the salary increase, Hyundai confirmed that existing employee welfare benefits such as health coverage and wellness initiatives will remain in place. “This settlement is a product of mutual trust and constructive dialogue. It reaffirms our commitment to creating a progressive workplace culture that balances employee well-being with long-term business growth,” said Youngmyung Park, Function Head – People Strategy at Hyundai Motor India. UUHE, established in 2011, represents nearly 90% of Hyundai’s technician and workmen workforce, with 1,981 members as of August 31, 2025. Following the announcement, Hyundai Motor India’s shares rose 1.69% to ₹2,646 on the BSE. Source: PTI

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Google reportedly cuts over 200 AI contractors amid unionisation concerns

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Google has allegedly laid off more than 200 contract workers engaged in its artificial intelligence projects, including the development of Gemini and AI Overviews, according to a report by WIRED. The layoffs, carried out in at least two phases last month, came with minimal or no notice, leaving many workers abruptly locked out of their roles. “I was just cut off,” said Andrew Lauzon, a contractor who received an email on August 15 notifying him that his contract had ended. Lauzon, employed by Hitachi-owned GlobalLogic since March 2024, had been involved in training Google’s Gemini chatbot and related AI tools. He said he was told the termination was due to a “ramp-down on the project,” but questioned the security of such precarious employment. Many of the affected contractors, some holding advanced degrees like master’s and PhDs, were part of a group known as “super raters” — workers tasked with reviewing and refining AI responses to make them more accurate and natural. Contractors stressed the importance of their work in shaping Google’s AI products, including the AI Overviews feature that provides summarized search results. “We play an incredibly vital role,” said one rater, noting that engineers rely on their feedback to fine-tune the systems. Google, however, has distanced itself from the job cuts, clarifying that the affected individuals were employees of GlobalLogic or its subcontractors, not Alphabet. “As the employers, GlobalLogic and their subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees,” Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini said. The development comes at a time when Google is doubling down on AI investments to compete with rivals such as OpenAI and Microsoft, raising questions about job security in the rapidly evolving AI industry. Source: IANS

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