Unpaid Internship Stipend: How Can I Get My Due from a Non-Responsive Startup?

I worked as a winter intern in a startup company for the month of December. It's been over 2 months since the completion of the internship, but the company is not paying the agreed stipend. I tried calling the company CEO, but he doesn't respond, and when he does, he says that they are looking into the issue and it will be resolved after some time. However, it's not resolved until now. What are my options?

Before joining as an intern, was any letter issued to you? If yes, can you share? Clarity will help us in guiding you.

As Bharat has mentioned, only if the company has given in writing that you are entitled to a stipend, can you claim anything. Otherwise, you cannot.

Yes, there was an email stating the internship work and stipend information. Here are the contents of the email.

Congratulations! You have been selected for an internship at BrandzUp Media LLP. Your stipend will be Rs30,000. Some of the tasks that you have to complete include:

- Google URL shortener integration
- New hosting on Amazon Cloud
- Developing & testing tools for Publishers (page analysis, post planner, etc.)
- Developing & testing tools for Advertisers (Intelligent ad placement, etc.)

We look forward to working with you. Please reply to this email with your acceptance.

I had tried to contact the person who conducted the interview, but every time he promises to transfer the amount to my account but never does so. Now, he's not even answering calls or texts.

I hope you have contacted the CEO. What was his reply?

Hope you confronted him with his email communication. Did you complete the work they entrusted to you?

An intern is not given any work; they are put to learning and also with a supervisor who guides the intern. In your case, what was the situation?

You can go to the Labour Commissioner with your grievance and seek help from them.

Seeking help from the district labour office worked. The employee paid the stipend on the first notice itself. Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

---
Seeking help from the district labor office worked. The employee paid the stipend on the first notice itself. Thanks a lot for the suggestions!