Bhubaneswar, Dec. 2: Students of Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) appeared happy over the double delight of a placement cell and an open camp office for grievance redress as announced by the state government last weekend.

“The opening of the camp office on all weekdays had been our most crucial demand. It will be very beneficial for the students’ community,” said BPUT students’ protection council president Biplab Prakash Mohanty.

The department of technical education has directed the BPUT to depute a senior varsity officer all through the month at the camp office at Gandamunda to take care of the grievances of students and parents. “Earlier, the government had passed orders that the officials would be present in the Bhubaneswar office during the third week of every month. However, it has failed to serve the purpose. Now, we hope things will get better,” said Mohanty.

Similarly, inauguration of the central placement cell has come as a relief to them.

“This has been a timely intervention. Campus placements have hit an all-time low. Besides, recruitment drives by good companies are rare in lesser-known colleges. The placement cell has given us a lot of hope,” said Samapta Kumar Mohanty of the BPUT Students’ Organisation.

Speaking about the placement rules, a department official said every student should be given seven chances to appear for placement interviews.

“Before appearing for the interview, students will have to sign the undertaking or willingness for the same. Students will have to attend the pre-placement talks and adhere to the dress code. They will not be allowed to communicate with the companies individually,” he said.

“Once selected, the student will not be considered for any other interviews,” the officer said.

Hailing the move, Dwarika, a student leader, said: “We are extremely happy that the government has taken care of such an important demand. The cell, however, must ensure that fake companies don’t take part in the recruitment drive like they do on some campuses.”

The placement cell also plans to prepare students through various sessions on communication, spoken English, personality grooming and interview.

ELIGIBILITY

• Here’s a list of those who can register with the central placement cell:
• Final-year students of govt engineering schools, polytechnics & ITIs
• Students who have passed diploma or ITI courses in past five years and are employed, self-employed or even unemployed
• School dropouts for career counselling and scope for skill training
• Public and private industries, national and multinational companies, micro, small and medium enterprises, service providers, job contractors