JU probe finds placement data discrepancies

Kolkata: The enquiry committee probing the issues and allegations related to the office of the placement and training at Jadavpur University submitted their interim report to the vice-chancellor urging the authorities to take steps so that the glory and the sanctity of the university’s placement can be maintained.

A source said, “By collecting data and documents in various formats, the committee found that the placement data, including job offers, submitted by the placement officer was inconsistent and exaggerated. The figures could not be backed by supporting documents. Similarly, mismatch was also found in the data regarding the number of companies cited by her that came for placement and the actual numbers that visited for placement.”

Recently, a multinational company has revoked their offers to a few students because they did not fulfil their criteria while sitting for interviews. “They had written to the placement officer that without fulfilling the criteria, students were allowed to participate in the selection process. A similar incident happened last year too but the placement officer did not take any corrective measures. These incidents hamper the university’s image in front of corporate companies,” said a teacher.

Among the other findings by the committee are discrepancies in attendance such as signing on holidays, excessive expenditure on cars and food packets.

VC Chiranjib Bhattacharjee said, “The service she has provided cannot be ignored but there are certain issues with some of the actions. I will read the report and then will take a call.” Placement officer Samita Bhattacharya said, “I am medically unfit and on leave. Hence, I do not have any idea about this matter so I will refrain from commenting.”