Career Fair reveals the grim situation of unemployment in hills

EOI, DARJEELING, DECEMBER 14, 2023 : With the aim to provide employment, the Darjeeling Welfare Society, a hill based social organization, started on Thursday a two-day career fair and open interview for unemployed youths of the hills; a first of its kind initiative.

The turnout was over whelming as high school graduates, undergraduates and postgraduates made a beeline for the fair in Darjeeling, much to to surprise of the organizers.

"On the first day itself the turnout was extraordinary. More then 500 plus candidates made it for the interview and group discussion session. We have talented and qualified youths. I am very optimistic that many will get employment," DWS president Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

Former External Affairs Secretary Shringla who has roots in the hills had played a major role inorganizing the G20 meeting in Darjeeling earlier this year in April and was the chief coordinator of the international event.

The DWS president said unemployment was a a major problem plaguing the hills which had resulted in migration of youths to cities looking for greener pastures. "At DWS our ideology is to walk the talk and bring companies to the hills. Unemployment is a major cause of concern. We want to bring employment opportunities to the hills for the youths. This career fair, we feel is a positive way forward," said Shringla.

International brands and companies like the Taj Group, Intercontinental, Accor, Novotel, Tata Trends, Birdy's and WNS along with IT and BPO companies were among the many conducting the open interview and group discussions with prospective candidates. 

"We have major companies participating in the career fair and interview. They are satisfied with the competence level of the candidates. Some companies that could not make it have expressed willingness to come later and conduct the interview," said Shringla.

Shringla said given the interest being shown by major companies, Darjeeling now had become a major centre for employment. "I can now say that Darjeeling is on the employment map. Our recruitment process will continue in the hills. My only suggestion to the youths is to be bold, share their thought and views during group discussions and interview and not to hesitate," he said. 

Shringla said on Friday those selected after the interview process would be handed out appointment letters on the spot