VISAKHAPATNAM : The attempt of Andhra University authorities to launch innovative courses landed students of the five-year integrated engineering courses in trouble with several companies participating in the campus recruitment refusing to recognise the degree. Irked at the development, over 400 students of Andhra University Engineering College staged a dharna in front of the principal’s office here Friday and refused to heed until the vice-chancellor assured them of placements by talking to the representatives of the companies.
Tension prevailed at AU Engineering College here Friday when as over 400 students of the college , staged a dharna in front of the principal’s office. Students alleged that during the recently-conducted campus recruitment, the multi-national companies refused to allow students of the integrated engineering courses to participate in the recruitment.
“None of my friends seeking employment in software industry, was allowed to appear for the examination conducted by a multinational company and were denied employment. If the employers do not recognise our degree, what is the use of this course? Even those who have completed B. Tech, are getting priority over us,” said Kranthi, a final year Civil Engineering student of the five-year integrated course.
Parents too joined the students in the protests and demanded an explanation from college principal PS Avadhani over non-recruitment of their children. “My daughter has come all the way from Hyderabad due to the reputation of Andhra University. But now, the recruiters are refusing to recognise the degree and the college management is not responding to our pleas. Where should our children go?” questioned Radhika, mother of a student.
Engineering college principal PS Avadhani, who was gheraoed by students and their parents, tried to pacify the crowd but in vain as the protestors indulged in argument with him. After sometime, he went to his chambers and remained inside until vice-chancellor GSN Raju arrived.
Raju and Avadhani explained to the parents and students that the allegations that the integrated engineering degree does not hold good for employment was meaningless and said that the companies coming for campus recruitments would be properly briefed about the new courses being conducted by AU. “The company might have refused to recruit the students of integrated courses as they are overqualified when compared to B. Tech students. We shall ensure that all students get placements in the campus recruitments,” said GSN Raju.