Employment Exchanges do exist!

Ask any aspiring professional or IT savvy youngster about employment exchanges and there will be an overwhelming sheepish look that implies that the man asking the question must be out of his senses. That then is the current sorry state of exchanges that not long ago were the link to employment avenues, particularly government jobs.

• Bifurcation gives fresh lease of life
• Model Career Centres embrace public and private sector

Prior to 90’s employment exchange was the only job portal. People used to make a beeline to the exchange in the early hours. At the behest of the elders, students soon after their X standard were compelled to register themselves in the nearest exchange and update their status as they progressed on the academic front. The call letters were also rooted through the exchanges.

In a way, having an employment exchange card was as necessary as the current day’s Aadhar card. Post-liberalisation, it almost appeared like the exchange had gone into oblivion. Meanwhile, the advent of the third Millennium saw the educated go for private jobs, consequent to which there was a slump in registrations at exchanges, which primarily showed opportunities for the clerical and lower cadre.

Irrespective of the hangovers and the hiccups after the bifurcation, the one wing that received a shot in the arm has been employment exchanges, which are now breathing afresh. “There was anticipation among students and graduates that the new government would release notifications for jobs and they are forming beelines to the office,” said K Naga Bharathi, exchange officer for Hyderabad district.

The exchange used to handle 600 to 700 registrations per month with bare minimum renewals (one has to renew his registration every year) saw a huge spurt in registrations after June 2. The number of registrations is gradually escalating with as many as 1433 turning up in November.

It was ditto with the Ranga Reddy exchange. “This exchange has registered 1126 candidates in June and 818 in October,” informs R Jagannadham, exchange officer. The Hyderabad exchange is counting on Model Career Centre (MCC) to regain its lost glory. The Union Government has announced 50 Model Career Centres, including one in Hyderabad.

“We believe that this move will provide the needed impetus as they will cater to both public and private sectors. Although, registrations can be done online, most are opting to come to the office in the mistaken hope that direct interaction will give them an advantage. We do expect the TS government to release the notification for jobs soon, which will see further registrations,” said Naga Bharathi.

By:Aditya Parankusam