31 Chennai college students with hearing disability bag jobs at recruitment drive

The college is expecting bigger companies and better packages for its disabled students in the coming years.

Staff noted that this is the first bulk recruitment of students with hearing impairment from the college in recent memory File pic

CHENNAI: As many as 31 students with hearing impairment from Presidency College have bagged jobs during the placement drive conducted on April 3. According to college officials, in recent memory this is the first time that such bulk recruitment of students with hearing impairment has happened in the college.

The college offers BCom, MCom and BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) courses for students with hearing disabilities.

“It is a matter of immense joy for us. The move has not only encouraged our disabled students, but has also instilled self-confidence in them and greatly boosted their morale,” said R Raman, the college principal.

A car detailing and servicing company, 5k Car Care, has recruited all 31 students, including 13 boys and 18 girls, for various technical and administrative positions. The students, belonging to BCom and BCA courses, will be provided one month training and thereafter will be placed in different branches of the company across the state, at a salary of Rs 20,000 per month, said Raman.

“Our company’s aim is to empower the disabled. We already have people with hearing impairment working in our team, they will train these new recruits regarding the work through sign language,” said Ranjith Kumar, HR and vice president of 5k Car Care. He further added that along with detailing and technical work, the students have also been recruited to manage the corporate office. The company currently has 186 branches across Tamil Nadu.

The college is expecting bigger companies and better packages for its disabled students in the coming years. “These students are very special and possess unique talents and creative skills. We need more companies that can identify their talents and empathise with them. We will approach more firms next year for their recruitment,” added Raman.

The students expressed their happiness about the job offers. “A majority of us come from economically backward sections and this job means a lot for us. Though the salary is a bit low, I am happy with the fact that we are offered a level playing field and an opportunity to showcase our talents,” said one of the students.