In India, there are several laws and regulations which govern the hiring process to protect the employees. It is really important to understand your rights as a job applicant before applying for a job. This will boost confidence and help you make better decisions.  Let us discuss some of the major rights that an employee has during the hiring process.

Non-Discrimination

Indian labour laws strictly prohibit discrimination in any way during the hiring process. Employers cannot discriminate on the grounds of:

• Race
• Religion
• Caste
• Gender
• Age
• Disability

And any other characteristic protected by the Constitution of India and other labour laws.

All candidates should be given equal chances by employers regardless of their characteristics or background. Discrimination during the hiring process such as discrimination in job advertisements, interviews or selection criteria is against the law.

Equal Opportunity

The principle of equal opportunity is enshrined in Indian law to ensure that every job applicant is given a fair chance based on their qualifications and merit. It includes:

• Open advertisement for job vacancies
• Transparent selection criteria
• Merit-based selection

The Equal Opportunity Policy promotes depth and diversity in the workplace.

Privacy and Confidentiality

During the recruitment process, employers collect personal information from applicants. Employers must get your consent before collecting your data and use it only for the purpose for which it was collected. They must also protect this data from unauthorized access and disclosure.

Offer letter 

An offer letter is a formal document sent by the employer to the candidate chosen for a specific position in their company. It includes information about employment such as job responsibility, compensation package, benefits and other important details. An employee has the right to accept as well as reject an offer letter.

Redressal Mechanisms

If you feel your rights have been violated during the recruitment process, there are several grievance mechanisms available. The Industrial Disputes Act of 1947 provides a framework for effectively resolving employment disputes in India. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are the bodies that address grievances of discrimination and unfair treatment. You can also approach labour courts or get mediation through labour unions.