A company based in Gujarat faced backlash after a job hiring LinkedIn post associated with the firm explicitly banned Marathi applicants for a graphic designer role. The Surat-based company, ITCODE Infotech, issued a clarification stating that the freelance HR who shared the controversial post is not affiliated with the company in any way. The company also mentioned that the HR had already apologised for the post and updated her current employment details. Additionally, ITCODE Infotech emphasized that they had not posted any recent job requirements and urged people to refer to their previous hiring posts for verification.
The company shared a screenshot of the freelance HR’s apology for the ‘Marathi ban’ post and confirmed that they had reached out to her for clarification. They expressed full cooperation with authorities in Gujarat and Maharashtra in case of any legal consequences arising from the controversy. It was revealed that the HR recruiter’s post was for one of her freelance projects and was unrelated to ITCODE Infotech. The company reiterated their positive experiences working with Marathi individuals in the past who had been kind and cooperative, further distancing themselves from the discriminatory LinkedIn post.
The ‘Marathi ban’ controversy sparked outrage on social media, with netizens criticizing the company and the discriminatory nature of the job hiring post. Despite the company’s clarification and disassociation from the HR recruiter responsible for the post, the controversy continued to escalate. Various comments on social media highlighted the tension between different states and communities, with some users drawing parallels to larger societal issues. The divisive nature of the job posting and the subsequent fallout reflected deeper underlying tensions and biases within society.
The incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in holding companies accountable for their actions and statements. The company faced significant backlash and scrutiny for the discriminatory job hiring post, leading to a public relations crisis. The episode also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the recruitment process, as well as the need for companies to carefully review and monitor content shared on their behalf. Moving forward, ITCODE Infotech and other organizations may need to reevaluate their recruitment practices to ensure inclusivity and fairness in their hiring processes.
The online debate surrounding the ‘Marathi ban’ controversy underscores the importance of addressing systemic discrimination and bias within society. It also reflects the power dynamics between different communities and the need for greater understanding and cooperation. The incident may prompt discussions on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as the role of social media in influencing public discourse and perceptions. Ultimately, the controversy serves as a learning opportunity for companies to reflect on their values and practices, and to take proactive steps towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive work environment. By acknowledging and addressing issues of discrimination and bias, organizations can work towards building a more just and respectful society for all individuals.