Hazaribagh, April 26: At 27, this small-town lad is offering jobs to local youths in his software firm.

And it is not the first time that Masoom Mallick has handed out appointment letters to students ? ranging from Class IV to postgraduate ones. This computer engineer has already recruited around 10 youngsters over the past three years for his firm, Technix India, which develops software for police and forest departments in the state.

Mallick has selected some of these budding software and hardware engineers through a test conducted two days ago.

The youngsters, who have joined the institute today, were divided into two groups ? one from Class IV to Class X and the other for Class X students and above till postgraduates.

?Two days ago, I took the written test of 173 candidates in two groups asking questions related to general knowledge, Indian politics and history, sports, mathematical aptitude and current affairs,? Mallick said.

Masoom said that he selects three best candidates from senior group and gives them job with a consolidated salary of Rs 5,000.

?But at first, I give them a year?s training of data entry operator besides as how to maintain the system,? he told The Telegraph, adding: ?But for juniors, I give them one-year computer training and other required tips, which is useful for them at this stage of life.?

Masoom said after selling his software to forest departments in several districts in the state and also in other parts of the country, he needed more boys to work with him. ?My software helps a department to keep a record of its achievements and history but then I also needed manpower to run on their one call,? he added.

Masoom said that at present he was in contact with non-resident Indians to take a project from them.

?If I managed to get this project then it will be a great achievement for a youth of small town,? he signed off with a smile.