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The Gujarat Technological University (GTU) is gearing up for a unique placement-cum-training programme for its students. The initiative is aimed at providing suitable jobs to students soon after they complete their studies.The university has named this programme as Navsarjan Sankul, which will also be known as 'Cluster of Industry and Colleges'. Under the initiative, 20 clusters, involving all colleges affiliated to GTU and industrial-business firms in various parts of the state, will be formed to facilitate students' search for suitable jobs and demand of industries for qualified and skilled manpower. The first of such clusters will start functioning from February this year.

The clusters will be formed across the state keeping in mind the proximity of various companies or industrial estates to colleges. Students of 6th semester will join a certain firm and prepare a detailed report of its particular problem. During the 7th and 8th semesters, the students will work on that problem and are required to come up with a solution. This exercise will enable them understand the needs of a particular industry and also make them eligible for direct recruitment in the concerned firm.This initiative will cover all the final year students of engineering, pharmacy and management colleges affiliated to GTU.

The scheme will be launched in association with all the major industrial estates, industrial bodies, local industry associations, etc. "We want our students to learn the problems of even small and micro level industries.That's why even small scale industries have been roped in," said Akshai Aggarwal, vice chancellor of GTU.The first such cluster will come up in association with Vatva Industrial Estate and is scheduled to be inaugurated next month.

The rest 19 clusters will be functional before the end of May.

Students coming from rural areas are also expected to benefit from the scheme as they will be involved in the industries located near their colleges. "Students of remote areas are always left behind in the placement race, but this initiative will help them in getting job, that too near their homes," said the VC.The clusters will be formed keeping in mind the number of companies located near a particular college or group of colleges.

Owner of a company will be appointed as chairman and a college principal as co-chairman of each of clusters. The university has roped in Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries(GCCI) and Gujart Chemical Association for this initiative.The project has drawn attention of some foreign academicians too. "Recently, a professor from South Korea visited our campus, and he was so impressed that he took the 30-page report with him, so that he can implement it there," said Aggarwal.