India’s salaried private-sector workers — especially in IT, tech, startups, finance and corporate roles — contribute more to the nation’s tax system than any other group. According to CBDT data, salaried individuals account for over 55% of all personal income tax, while also driving a significant share of GST through day-to-day consumption, EMI payments, housing, transport and services.

Yet when layoffs happen, these same taxpayers are left with zero protection.

No unemployment benefit.
No temporary income support.
No government-backed retraining.
Not even a guaranteed minimum severance.

In the last 2–3 years alone, India has witnessed over 3 lakh layoffs across IT, startups, edtech, e-commerce and global capability centers.
Families that contribute heavily to the economy suddenly struggle with rent, EMIs, school fees and essentials — because there is no safety net for the middle-class salaried worker.

This is not just unfair — it is economically damaging.
When tens of thousands of skilled workers lose income, local demand collapses, hurting small businesses, MSMEs, transport, retail and services. The same people who help fill India’s GST and income tax coffers end up facing the crisis alone.

It’s time for a change.

We are requesting the Government of India to introduce a simple, modern, contributory Unemployment Insurance system, supported by small payroll contributions from employee and employer, with optional government top-up. Most major economies have this — India must too.

We also request:

Minimum statutory severance for involuntary layoffs
Retraining vouchers for tech workers displaced by AI and automation
Faster access to ESIC/ABVKY benefits, simplified digitally
A national early-warning system for mass layoffs
India cannot become a $5 trillion economy while leaving its tax-paying salaried workforce completely unprotected during job loss.

We urge policymakers to act now. Salaried Indians have fulfilled every responsibility — paying taxes, contributing to GDP, building global-scale businesses. They deserve at least basic income protection when unexpected layoffs happen.

Please sign this petition and share it widely.
Together, let’s make unemployment protection a national priority.

Reference: They Pay the Taxes — Then Get Left on Their Own