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NIT graduate earning Rs 43.5 Lakh a year lost his job unexpectedly, did not get any help from the government.
The individual, earning Rs 43.5 Lakh a year, paid over Rs 30 Lakh in taxes in the last five years. (Representative Image)
A social media post about a highly paid software engineer, who lost his job in Bengaluru, has triggered an intense discussion online. An X user shared the story of their friend Salim, a graduate from NIT who worked for a well-known tech company. He earned Rs 43.5 Lakh a year and paid over Rs 30 Lakh in taxes during the five years. But when Salim lost his job unexpectedly, he did not get any help from the government, due to which he felt abandoned by the same system he had supported through his hard work.
On X, the user explained, “Just got a message from Mr Salim a topper from his NIT, working in Bangalore with a Rs 43.5 LPA package, laid off last month. The company handed him just 3 months’ severance. Last year alone, he paid Rs 11.22 Lakhs in income tax. In just 5 years, over Rs 30 Lakhs gone into the system and in return, he got zero support. No safety net. No job security. No respect for his contribution. Now jobless, thankfully without a home loan, he’s using his savings and severance to pay for his children’s education, Rs 1.95 Lakh per child, per year. That’s where his ‘reward’ is going.”
“Worse, he fell into depression. He said he felt like he was suddenly on the road, abandoned from every direction. The same government he paid lakhs to in taxes betrayed him the moment he needed it most. He asked me to keep his identity anonymous, so I’m just sharing his initial, Mr Salim. This is what happens to genuine taxpayers in India. You pay. You comply. You contribute and when you’re in crisis, you’re on your own. This country desperately needs to change. Because right now, it’s failing the very people who carry it forward,” the individual added.
Just got a message from Mr. Salim a topper from his NIT, working in Bangalore with a ₹43.5 LPA package laid off last month. The company handed him just 3 months’ severance.Last year alone, he paid ₹11.22 lakhs in income tax. In just 5 years, over ₹30 lakhs gone into the…
— Venkatesh Alla (@venkat_fin9) June 29, 2025
Even though the post was emotional, it received mixed reactions. Some felt sad for Salim, but the majority shared that it was not the government’s job to help every individual who loses a job.
Reacting to the post, a user suggested, “I believe that there should be a provision where a laid-off person is returned the income tax he/she paid the previous year. Enough time to hunt for jobs and upskill while maintaining a basic level of lifestyle.”
Another shared, “Can you tell me how many people who get laid off in the USA get support from the government in Silicon Valley, as everyone pays taxes here. How exactly can govt help an individual who works in the IT sector when they get laid off? Dude, when someone makes 45 lakhs and is Nit Topper, if this company lays off, he will get a job in another company in 3 months before his severance pay finishes off. In the US, they won’t pay you anything if they lay off.”
“The problem is the guy earning 45LPA lives a lifestyle worth 90LPA and then complains when the salary dries up. The same is true for the poor or rich. We earn, pay and live in proportion to the resources we use. Need to plan accordingly,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “In every country, there is a tax. If we are jobless, then we should not blame the government. At a young age, he can easily find a new job. The main problem with young people is, they easily get into depression.”
One more added, “This country desperately needs to change. Because right now, it’s failing the very people who carry it forward. This has been going on for ages and has got worse in the last 10 years. Nothing is going to change until and unless every citizen of India becomes literate and educated.”
The individual who posted about Salim earlier shared another story about a man facing a similar struggle. That man had paid Rs 1.35 Crore in income tax over 14 years through hard work. And that amount didn’t even include other taxes like GST or VAT. After facing two health emergencies and losing his job, he used all his savings and now has heavy debts. The person was unemployed and according to the post, received no help from the government.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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