At Jawaharlal Nehru University, well-known for its late-night debates, anti-US marches, firebrand Lefties and the Ganga dhaba, the focus now seems to be on getting jobs for its students. But again, jobs with a difference.

People behind the newly created placement cell say they have decided to “look beyond BPOs and MNCs” and focus on providing research-based jobs to university students.

The issue has gained ground after JNU, which has traditionally wanted to maintain its stature as the ground for researchers, academics and central services aspirants, recently set up a placement cell in the campus. The university is trying to address this question by striking a balance between placement and research.

Professor Anand Kumar of the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, who is a member of the committee appointed to put the placement and counselling cell in place, points out: “While a need has been felt to orient the students to gain practical experience, our attempt will be to minimise the commercial aspect of placement, by looking at job avenues other than BPOs and MNCs. The primary focus is not to push students towards the job market, but to encourage them and also provide them with alternatives in research.”

Both the JNU authorities and the student bodies on the campus say the objective of the placement cell is to promote research opportunities and career counselling, along with job placements.

Highlighting the importance of counselling, Mobeen Alam, joint secretary of the JNU Students’ Union says: “Since every centre has its own nature, their requirements in terms of placement may vary.”

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