As Byju’s continues to implement layoffs and cost-cutting measures, a former employee has turned to social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to appeal for assistance from the government. Former “Academic Specialist” at the ed-tech company Akansha Khemka said in a post that Byju’s is giving some staff members, including Khemka herself, the option of voluntary resignation to receive their salary on August 1.
Also Read: Byju’s Vacates Its Largest Office In Bengaluru After Mass Layoff
The salary will be delayed by 30 days for anyone who chooses termination, including Khemka. Khemka emphasises in a video that she cannot afford a termination since it would make it difficult for her to make timely wage credit payments on her EMIs and utilities.
She wrote, “I want support from the government. Please help me out and give justice to me in this crucial situation. Please help me out. If there is no way out after this post, then I have to end my life. There is no option left as I will not get my salary on August 1st if I opt for involuntary exit.”
She further wrote, “I don’t have any money to survive and I request all LinkedIn family members to share the video as much as you can. I request our government please help me and other employees from this toxic work culture. Byjus is doing fraud from all the sides, including employees and customers.”
Image Source: India Today
In the video, Khemka breaks down in tears and complains that Byju’s is delaying the payment of her variable pay, earned leaves, and PF clearance if she chooses to depart voluntarily. She is considering “suicide” because Byju cannot make the entire payment. She says the business terminated her without a sufficient warning or explanation. She continues that if she chooses a payment delay, she won’t be able to buy food.
Khemka advises new hires to “avoid” working at Byju’s. She requests that the government step in and assist the affected employees of the corporation who are dealing with comparable circumstances.
A layoff tracker (Layoff FYI) indicates that Byju’s has let go of more than 5,000 employees in the previous nine months. Byju’s is currently having issues with the government. The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) investigated the company last month for failing to pay PF dues. The ED is acting against the ed-tech company per the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
