Articles by Smriti Singh

The information technology and information technology-enabled services sector in India have largely been opaque, with little known about its social profile, work conditions, and office culture. The sector hides its everyday workings behind massive revenue figures and the number of jobs in the organised sector it has created. What slips through the cracks is the precarious nature of these permanent jobs and the shocking ineffectiveness of employee protections. These vulnerabilities, built into the employment and work culture of the sector, acquired a nightmarish quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. With most IT companies being forced to shift their employees to work-from-home formats, it is crucial to study how these vulnerabilities have affected the latter. This paper draws upon media reports, a short online survey, and telephonic interviews to highlight the working conditions in the IT and ITeS sector, the experience of working from home, and the overall state of its permanent employment.

The Supreme Court’s judgment of 17 February 2020, granting women permanent commission in the army, has opened the doors for women to seek benefits and status associated with seniority of rank. Even though the apex court’s ruling is restricted to non-combat or non-armoured corps, it still is a big win for women. However, the idea of women in the armed forces requires deeper engagement. There is a need to understand what should be envisioned and expected from opening the doors of a male bastion for women.