IT companies stare at massive loss, staff lay-off on the cards

Harshabab Sidhu

Mohali, March 19

Mohali-based IT firms are staring at a massive financial crisis incase Covid-19 pandemic increases in the region.

Some companies have indicated that they may lay off employees as well.

Taking preventive measures, some IT firms have shut down their offices and have asked their staff to work from home.

The police have issued notices to IT firms operating from Industrial Area, Phase 7 and Phase 8.

Sub-Inspector Baljinder Singh Mand said, “We have asked IT firms to limit their employee strength on the directions of administration. The firms are cooperating. In case they flout the norms, the Health Department will be informed.”

Devansh, manager, Techwin Labs, Phase 8, said, “We have only 20 employees here. We can manage for 15 days in case of a complete shutdown. After that, we will bear a loss of Rs4 to Rs5 lakh every week.”

Manpriya, HR manager, Cqlsys, Industrial Area Phase 8, said, “We have asked the staff to work from their homes. Our firm has the US-based clients. Many employees may lose their jobs if situation worsens.”

Shiv Charan Panjeta, manager, ToXSL Technologies Pvt Ltd, said, “As a preventive measure, we have shut down our company. Over forty employees were working.”

Mohali Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan said, “IT firms, industrial sector and corporate offices need not close down in the wake of Covid-19, but staff can work in shifts and non-essential employees can work from home”

He said a minimum distance of one metre should be maintained and gathering should not exceed 50 persons on a single floor.