Minister for Skill Development Rajeev Chandrasekhar sees moonlighting as a case of companies and corporates not realising the deep structural shift in the minds, attitudes, and confidence of the young Indian tech workforce.
Speaking at the Public Affairs Forum of India’s (PAFI) 9th Annual Forum 2022, the minister said there is a big shift in the psychology of the current workforce and the companies must realise it to leverage the shift effectively rather than just being ignorant of that.
Wading into the raging debate of moonlighting, he added that putting [any sort] of lid on aspirational workers' dreams is “bound to fail''.
“Everybody today has a sense of confidence wanting to monetise their skills, wishing to create more value out of their knowledge and skill sets. Companies that today try to pin workers down saying while you are working with us you can't work at that startup, or can't be a consultant somewhere else, is a doomed to fail exercise,” Chandrasekhar said.
The minister, however, added that he does see merit in one part of the current debate on moonlighting. He added that if one is contractually bound to adhere to confidentiality clauses or rules on not helping competitors, then obviously, one is bound to follow those. But to extend that argument and "put some restrictions on somebody's dream of starting his/her own company", will not be workable, Chandrasekhar added.
Speaking highly of the increased skill set and knowledge base of the so called ‘young India', he candidly added that he believes the ‘grey India' should not indulge in over-mentoring 'the young India' as they clearly know their path ahead.
Currently, the subject of moonlighting, which refers to a side job besides one's primary employment, has triggered a countrywide debate among corporate and industry circles.
Indian IT major Wipro, this month, has terminated 300 employees who were found to be moonlighting for its competitors.
Speaking at the Public Affairs Forum of India’s (PAFI) 9th Annual Forum 2022, the minister said there is a big shift in the psychology of the current workforce and the companies must realise it to leverage the shift effectively rather than just being ignorant of that.
Wading into the raging debate of moonlighting, he added that putting [any sort] of lid on aspirational workers' dreams is “bound to fail''.
“Everybody today has a sense of confidence wanting to monetise their skills, wishing to create more value out of their knowledge and skill sets. Companies that today try to pin workers down saying while you are working with us you can't work at that startup, or can't be a consultant somewhere else, is a doomed to fail exercise,” Chandrasekhar said.
The minister, however, added that he does see merit in one part of the current debate on moonlighting. He added that if one is contractually bound to adhere to confidentiality clauses or rules on not helping competitors, then obviously, one is bound to follow those. But to extend that argument and "put some restrictions on somebody's dream of starting his/her own company", will not be workable, Chandrasekhar added.
Speaking highly of the increased skill set and knowledge base of the so called ‘young India', he candidly added that he believes the ‘grey India' should not indulge in over-mentoring 'the young India' as they clearly know their path ahead.
Currently, the subject of moonlighting, which refers to a side job besides one's primary employment, has triggered a countrywide debate among corporate and industry circles.
Indian IT major Wipro, this month, has terminated 300 employees who were found to be moonlighting for its competitors.
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