The entrance to Utkal University. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 2: Four students, pursuing MA in sociology at the Utkal University, have been recruited by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for its mega power projects at Dhenkanal and Jharsuguda.

The students have been recruited as “sociologists” to take care of the company’s corporate social responsibility and to deal with resettlement and rehabilitation issues of the locals. They have been hired for a salary package of Rs 15,000 along with a rent-free accommodation.

This is the first time a public sector undertaking has hired students from the sociology department of the university. The department, however, did not disclose the names of the students.

“So far placements are concerned, our track record has been good.

“In comparison to other social science departments, students of sociology are being placed in major companies not only in the state, but also in international organisations such as Unicef, UNDP, Red Cross and so on,” said head of the sociology department of Utkal University D.N. Jena.

He said the department, which has over 40 students in each batch, was also the first in eastern region to have introduced a sponsored course — master’s programme in rural development — in 2000.

“We have never compromised on quality.

“Our focus is on capacity building and engaging students in community outreach activities for exposure and to compete with others,” said Jena, who was also the founder of the course in the state.

The Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) of the ministry of rural development had recruited five students from the department last year.

Officials of the CAPART will visit the university in January for placements.