Pune engineering colleges await ‘acche din’

Pune: With the slowdown in the manufacturing and automobile industry the city’s engineering colleges including College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), are waiting for Narendra Modi’s much-anticipated ‘acche din’. There has been a dip in number of students being hired by these industries compared to last year. The colleges are hoping that the new government will bring some vibrancy in the market which will eventually help students get their dream jobs.
As far as COEP is concerned, the 150-year-old institute has been producing talent in each domain. However, the 2012-13 placement scenario was better than the current year. 
“In 2013, 127 companies visited the campus and out of 674 students from various streams like computer, information technology (IT), E & TC, mechanical production and others, 584 students were placed and the placement percentage was 87 per cent,” said Sandip Meshram, training and placement officer for COEP.
He said that the placement scenario in 2013-14 did not show an upward graph as this year only 77 per cent students out of 681 got placed.
“Compared to last year, 140 firms came to the campus this year but recruited only 526 students out of 681.” 
The hiring percentage for firms like computer, IT and E&TC was 85 per cent and the percentage for mechanical engineering was 77.24.
Dr Anand Bhalerao, principal of Bharati Vidyapeeth University College of Engineering said that due to the crunch in the automobile industry there was a gloom in the market. He said that since the automobile industry is incorporating robotics and artificial intelligence the need for humans is reducing. “These companies however looking for students who have mechatronics, which is the combination of mechanical and electronics.” 
Speaking about the success story 
at the college, he said that though there is a slowdown in the hiring process, Searce, an MNC, which creates engaging software products recruited 70 students. “The reason behind the success is our students are industry ready.”
Hemant Mali of MIT’s College of Engineering said, “The slowdown has hit placements. Companies are acting cautiously. They hire only when they need it.” He said so far more than 80 per cent students have been placed from all branches.
Professor J P Pitambare of Sinhgad College’s placement cell said slowdown in the economy has affected placements in his college too. 
“Dedicated efforts in enhancing corporate relationship, new tie-ups with best corporates and developing edge in our students to compete the current market scenario has helped us in crossing placement of 70 percent eligible students as of now,” he said.