By News Karnataka
A social media post has ignited widespread debate after revealing how a high-earning Bengaluru professional was abruptly laid off despite an impressive academic and career track. The story has raised tough questions about the absence of robust social safety nets for India’s salaried middle class.
The techie, referred to as Mr. Salim, was described as a top-ranking graduate from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) and employed in Bengaluru with an annual salary package of ₹43.5 lakh. According to X user Venkatesh Alla, who shared the account online, Salim lost his job last month and received only three months of severance pay.
The revelation sparked intense reactions across social platforms. While some sympathized with Salim and called for stronger protections for employees, others argued that individuals earning premium salaries should be financially prepared for sudden job losses. The debate quickly expanded to the broader issue of India’s limited unemployment benefits and lack of structured support for middle-class professionals facing layoffs.
Critics highlighted how even highly skilled workers remain vulnerable in India’s volatile job market, where companies can downsize with minimal obligations beyond basic severance. Many users pointed out that layoffs are increasingly common in the technology sector as firms adjust to global economic pressures.
The incident has renewed calls for policy reforms, including unemployment insurance and income support schemes, to cushion the impact of unexpected job loss on working professionals.