A video of NIT Kurukshetra engineer leaving BPCL job despite Rs 19 lakh package has gone viral on social media. Public sector undertaking (PSU) jobs continue to be regarded as highly desirable among young Indians due to job security, salary benefits and social prestige. Against this backdrop, the story of Sourabh Mittal, a 25-year-old engineer from NIT Kurukshetra, has drawn attention online after he left his PSU job despite a reported annual package of around ₹19 lakh. However, the oil PSU has said that BPCL places importance on employee welfare, workplace dignity, and operational support.
Engineer says PSU role differed from expectations
Mittal claimed that he joined Bharat Petroleum Corporation at the age of 22, viewing it as a major career milestone, similar to many engineering graduates in India. However, he later stated that his experience after joining differed significantly from his expectations. He claimed that he was posted in a warehouse where basic facilities were inadequate, including lack of proper toilets, drinking water and damaged infrastructure. Mittal also alleged that repeated complaints about these issues were not addressed, forcing him at times to rely on his home for basic needs during working hours.
BPCL Responds
Responding to Mittal’s post, BPCL said: “As one of India’s largest energy companies, BPCL’s field teams across various business units, require regular interactions with customers, channel partners, distributors, logistics partners, operational support teams and various other stakeholders towards fulfilling their market development assignments. Periodic reporting, review mechanisms, and workplan dialogues are intrinsic to performance management, professional development and business growth.”
“While individual experiences can vary, the tenor of the narrative appears to overstate the situation and is not reflective of the ground realities and support systems. This includes the portrayal of leave-related concerns, particularly as the concerned employee availed 56 days of sanctioned leave in a little over two years,” the statement said.
“It is also relevant to note that the former employee has himself publicly acknowledged and appreciated his professional experience and learning at BPCL through various posts on LinkedIn, including as recently as two weeks ago. These public expressions stand in contrast to the narrative now being presented,” it added.
Allegations of workplace pressure and after-hours demands
Mittal further described the work environment as stressful and outdated. He claimed that employees were often shouted at by senior officials and that he was assigned personal tasks such as airport pickups and hotel bookings.
He also said that work-related pressure extended beyond office hours, with calls continuing late into the night and on weekends. According to him, leave approvals were difficult, while promotions and salary increments were slow.
Explaining his decision to resign, Mittal said he could not imagine continuing under such conditions for his entire career. He also noted that the predominantly older workforce around him limited opportunities for growth and learning.
Family reaction mixed over resignation decision
Mittal’s decision to leave a PSU job reportedly received mixed reactions within his family. He said his father was unhappy due to the stability and respect associated with government sector employment, while his mother supported him after observing the stress he was experiencing.
Social media users respond with support
As his story circulated online, several social media users expressed support and shared similar experiences. Comments highlighted encouragement for his decision, with users wishing him success and relating to his transition out of such roles.