Mumbai: Discrimination Controversy: ITCODE Infotech Under Fire for Excluding Marathi Speakers
Mumbai, 6th May 2024: The recent incident involving a job post on LinkedIn by ITCODE Infotech has sparked widespread concern and condemnation online. The post, which explicitly excluded Marathi-speaking candidates from applying for a Graphic Designer position, runs counter to the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on factors such as language, caste, religion, and place of birth.
The uproar was further fueled by the irony that the job, located in Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra where Marathi is widely spoken, was advertised with a discriminatory clause against Marathi speakers. This not only highlighted the blatant discrimination but also raised questions about the company’s understanding of the local culture and workforce dynamics.
The involvement of a freelance HR professional in posting the exclusionary job ad added another layer of concern, reflecting poorly on their understanding of fair hiring practices and adherence to legal and ethical norms.
The reaction from netizens across various platforms, including Reddit, underscored the broader issue of discrimination in various aspects of life, including housing and employment. Many expressed disappointment and called for accountability, suggesting that such discriminatory practices should not be tolerated in any form.
In response to the backlash, ITCODE Infotech took down the controversial job post, and the HR professional, Janvi Sarna, issued an apology on LinkedIn. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding principles of equality and inclusivity in all spheres of society, including the workplace.
