Covid pandemic derails Panjab University’s placement drive

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15

Global economic slowdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic has sunk high hopes of Panjab University (PU) students, who were eagerly waiting for the placement drives.

The central placement cell of the PU organises annual placement drive between March and April. However, since there is a complete nationwide lockdown, the students have no option but to wait.

“We will organise the placement drive later. There is no dearth of talent and I trust companies will surely reach out here. Not only India, but the world has stopped functioning, we will have to wait to attract some companies,” said Prof Meena Sharma, Director, Central Placement Cell.

He said, “We have been continuously guiding and providing students with some online exercises so that they continue to sharpen their skills. I must assure that the PU authorities are standing in support of students.”

Not only placement drives but internships, which are covered as a part of curriculum in majority of the departments have also been affected.

“Having no other option, we are asking for work-from-home internship assignments from companies. This is usually the time when companies reach out to last semester batches for processing recruitment. However, considering the ongoing worldwide hit, I believe things are not heading towards a good direction,” said Anshul, a PU student.

Heads of the various departments have also expressed their concern over the pertaining situation. “Students will be considered lucky, if they get a decent package in the upcoming placement drive. I believe the situation will be clearer after the lockdown ends. Most of the companies will access their stakes before hiring,” said a professor.

Ironically, the central placement cell was scheduled to conduct AVSAR –II (Placement drive) on March 6 and 7 at the PU and regional centres. However, it was postponed to March 23 to 24 and later on for an indefinite period.

“No one is at fault. We hope for a quick market recovery. This is also a good time to think on some start-ups, but for this we need to have some experience,” said Komal, another student.