GU colleges want internships to lead to jobs for students

Confusion has marred Gujarat University’s move to send Semester-3 students of undergraduate courses for industry internships. The move is part of the varsity’s efforts to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

A meeting held on Wednesday saw college principals urging the state government and its departments to find the right kind of internship for over 30,000 students that can lead to employment. 

Some of the participants expressed reluctance in placing commerce and arts students in grocery stores and dairy parlours for internships. Questions were also raised about responsibility in case of any accidents during internships.

GU officials said that 10,800 students in arts, 27,000 in commerce, and 2,500 in science courses will have to be offered internships starting from December 6. The students will have to complete 120 hours of internship in industry. 

The meeting on Wednesday by GU was meant to gauge the college’s preparedness to place students in relevant sectors.  “Colleges have tried to find internship opportunities for their students. Some have also decided to let the students do the internship in dairy parlours, grocery stores and shops in the name of exposure. Finding industry internships for science and commerce students is easy, while finding the right opportunity for arts students is a challenge,” said a principal.

Another principal said the varsity should have started the preparation earlier and should also have roped in the Gujarat government to help students connect with industries via its employment bureau. The principal said they were looking for something similar to what the government did for students with the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat. 

“It is not the college’s job to find an internship for the students, and GU is not well-connected with all types of industries. We emphasised internships that can lead to a job,” said another principal. “Moreover, in case students work in hazardous conditions and there is an accident, who will take responsibility?” said another.

GU officials, however, have assured the colleges of help to resolve the issue and arrange for the right kind of industry exposure. Another meeting is likely on Thursday. GU officials said internships are important to ensure practical knowledge. They claimed various proposals were made, and all colleges will be encouraged to provide internships to students in Semester 6. “There is great enthusiasm for the same,” said GU officials.