Embattled edtech firm Byju's and several of its former employees have been asked by the Karnataka government to attend a “conciliation meeting” on February 16 over non-payment of dues, sources have told Moneycontrol.
The notice from Karnataka's labour department comes amid a liquidity crisis for Byju’s, which is also battling some of its investors who have called for an extraordinary general meeting to oust the leadership and reconstitute the board.
The labour department received several emails from former Byju’s employees, complaining that they were not paid their full and final settlements months after their termination.
“(This is) regarding the complaint filed by email regarding non-payment of full & final settlement. Regarding the above, a meeting has been fixed at this office to scrutinise the factual review of the matters mentioned in the said petition. (You are) instructed to attend the said meeting,” the notice which was sent to employees and the company earlier this month said.
In case of default, an “inquiry will be conducted in your absence” and a legal decision taken, the notice, which was in Kannada, said. Moneycontrol has reviewed a a copy of the notice
A senior labour department official told Moneycontrol they received 20-30 complaints from employees, mostly through email. Most of the complaints were about delays in the final settlement.
“For some cases, we have scheduled appearances on (February) 16, and for others, on different dates. Some will be joining in person at our office, while others will participate online,” the official said.
“We have also issued notices to Think and Learn Pvt Ltd, and they will attend these meetings. Our primary role is to facilitate reconciliation between both parties."
Think and Learn Pvt Ltd is the parent company of Byju's.
This is the latest in the string of challenges for the firm which was once India’s most valued startups. It is having trouble with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Enforcement Directorate, National Company Law Tribunal, and Employees' Provident Fund Organisation among others.
As reported by Moneycontrol in November the company delayed full and final settlements of laid-off employees again after shifting the date of payment from September to November. A large number of employees continue to wait for their settlement after being laid off over the last year.
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