Indian engineer leaves software coding to sweep streets, Earns ₹1 lakh salary; Reason will surprise you

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In India, a software engineer’s job is usually seen as a symbol of status and high income. However, a report from Russia has surprised many. An Indian software engineer has left coding behind and is now working as a street sweeper abroad. What has shocked people even more is that he earns nearly ₹1 lakh per month—more than the starting salary of many engineers in India.

According to a LiveMint report, 26-year-old Mukesh Mandal is currently working as a sanitation worker in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Mukesh has a background in software development and is reported to have worked with major technology companies like Microsoft, either directly or through third-party vendors. Once used to writing code on a keyboard, he is now cleaning the cold streets of Russia.

Mukesh is not alone. The report reveals that around 17 Indians are working with him in street-cleaning jobs. All of them reached Russia about four months ago. These individuals earlier worked in different professions in India, including wedding planning, driving, and architecture.

The reason behind such high pay is Russia’s ongoing labor shortage. Due to a lack of workers, companies there are hiring people from other countries. The Saint Petersburg-based company employing these Indians is providing not just salaries but also accommodation, food, and security. Each worker reportedly earns between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.1 lakh per month, making it an attractive option amid global job uncertainty.

Mukesh says he chose this work temporarily as part of a plan, not due to compulsion. His goal is to save a good amount of money and then return to India. He believes that no job is small or big; what truly matters is hard work and honesty.

The story has gone viral on social media. While some people see it as an example of determination and dignity of labor, others view it as a sign of unemployment and brain drain in India.