Ranchi, April 23: Around six girls had joined Bangalore-based Infosys BPO last year but resigned in two months and headed home.

Among the reasons cited were the nature of the job, adjustment problems, accommodation costs and high standard of living.

The number of girls opting for jobs in other cities is gradually decreasing and this phenomenon is an emerging trend in the capital. Every year, companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS and Mahendra and Mahendra, among others, visit colleges for campus recruitment. But the ratio of girls joining these companies is much low in comparison to boys.

Last year, among 51 students selected during a campus placement by Infosys, only 18 were girls. In 2005, out of 66 selected candidates, the number of girls was slightly better at 36. But this year at the TCS selections only 10 out of 41 candidates were girls.

Abhilasha Raj, a student of Marwari College who was selected in Calcutta-based BPO Wipro this year, said her parents were not supportive initially. “They don’t prefer girls working late. Despite a good package, my parents decline the offer worrying about my safety,” she said.

Six other girls were shortlisted along with Abhilasha but they, too, declined the offer. “It is believed that the job-timing did not suit them,” she added.

Rita Singh, a final-year student of Gossner College did not join Infosys last year though she wanted to. Reason: her parents were worried about the work environment.

“I wanted to take up a job through campus placement. The salary offered was also not bad but my parents told me to prepare for an MBA instead. They were not sure about the nature of job and the environment,” explained Rita.

Some parents allow their daughters to work in cities where they have relatives.

Jaya Mehta’s daughter Puja is working in Bangalore since last July. “There was no such problem letting my daughter go. Other girls are also working there. And since my relatives are there, I did not worry,” she said.

Sishir Kumar, placement coordinator of Marwari College, said recently a few students of Nirmala College had quit their jobs at Infosys and returned home. Though he wasn’t able to give reasons he believed they must have got better opportunities.

Kumar is also of the opinion that families usually stand by their daughter’s decision. But there is always room for exceptions.

“The number of girls selected for Infosys this year is quite high. Besides, Eureka Forbes is also scheduled to come in the last week of April,” Kumar said.