'How Can One Survive?' Techie's Post On TCS’s Stagnant Salary Is Trending

Rising costs of living, including accommodation, food and travel have made survival increasingly challenging especially for the individuals facing stagnant wages in metro cities. This issue is highlighted in a recent viral post that brings attention to one of India’s top IT companies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Shashank Rustagi, sharing his experience on X, revealed that when he was working at TCS in 2019, he was offered a salary of Rs 21,000 per month.

However, his living expenses at the time amounted to Rs 30,000 which significantly exceeded his earnings as a fresher. But, the concerning part, according to Rustagi, is not just the mismatch between the income and expenses. He noted that TCS continues to offer the same Rs 21,000 per month compensation even after five years despite inflation.

“My TCS salary was 21K My expenses were 30K This was back in 2019 The worst part is they still offer the same package now,” Rustagi wrote on X.

Since being shared two days ago, Rustagi’s post has garnered significant attention online, sparking a discussion about stagnant salaries. Many users highlighted that the issue isn’t limited to TCS but extends to other companies as well.

One user, sharing their experience with Tech Mahindra, wrote, “As a matter of perspective I joined tech mahindra in 2006 on 3.0 lpa. I am shocked that the salaries have barely moved in almost 18 years.”

Another commented, “Bro, my cousin got a job in IT in 2004 at 22,000 per month. And that was also not that great a company at that time.”

An individual pointed out, “In Bangalore, you will get 1 BHK for 21k these days. Plus food, transport, and medical emergency costs etc. How can one survive?”

Several others shared similar experiences. One user wrote, “My first ever “offer” was from TCS from an off campus drive. They were offering 21K all the way back in 2013 as well,” while another shared, “21k was my TCS salary too in 2011. However, at that time I was able to manage the expenses.”

A commenter lamented, “Sad part of this is most employees will be doing idiotic tasks which are completely irrelevant.”

While many voiced their frustrations, some offered different perspectives. A person shared, “It just means your lifestyle didn’t match your salary.” Another remarked, “It totally depends on the lifestyle ..anyone can easily manage to spend under 15-18k a month even living in Bglr today.”

Someone questioned, “I agree that the minimum package needs to be increased. But 30k expense at the beginning of the career? I would understand the expense if it were a family.”

The post has accumulated over 1 million views so far.