Jamshedpur, April 22: Ranchi University has come out with a directive for placement cells in constituent colleges, which conduct University Grants Commission (UGC)-affiliated vocational courses.

University sources said, though some colleges have already been running such cells, this was the first time the university has come out with an official circular.

The move is aimed at helping students to get jobs once they complete the vocational course from their respective colleges.

University officials said 20 of the 35-odd constituent colleges have introduced vocational courses. The vocational courses are being conducted under the self-financing scheme.

Pro vice-chancellor Anand Bhushan told The Telegraph that the vocational courses were popular among the students.

“The placement cells will give a boost to vocational courses as the cell will help students find jobs in corporate houses,” he said, adding that the courses have been tailor-made to suit the purpose of industrial houses and office establishments.

University sources said, during his recent visit to the city, vice-chancellor S.S. Kushwaha had held discussion with representatives of various corporate houses and informed them about the vocational courses run by the university.

The vice-chancellor's proposal to constitute placement cells in its constituent colleges was welcomed by the corporate houses, said sources.

The affairs of the placement cell would be co-ordinated by a college senior faculty to be appointed by the principal.

The placement cell would comprise faculty members from every department.

Almost all the seven constituent colleges run different vocational courses.

Jamshedpur Workers’ College principal S.S. Razi, who is also a senior member of Ranchi University academic council, welcomed the university decision for a placement cell in constituent colleges.

“Formation of a permanent placement cell will definitely boost the morale of students who, at present, fail to get jobs even after completing the vocational course,” he said.

He said Jamshedpur Workers’ College runs a course on office management and secretarial practice, which has a good demand in the present job market.