The Punjab Government on Wednesday advised the general public not to fall prey to job offers by “unscrupulous” private agencies, demanding money in lieu of placement in Government institutions or organisations.
As many as 100-150 complaints have been received regarding fake agencies which are demanding money from students, especially from 10th and 12th pass-outs, for jobs in Government institutions like Kisan Call Centres, Bharti Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kisan Helpline Services, and Kisan Seva Kendras.
“They claim to offer salaries in the range of Rs10,000-15,000 per month and then demand Rs15,000 refundable advance as security from them…They even charge Rs1,000 for application form,” said the state Agriculture director Mangal Singh Sandhu.
He said the fake offers are being made through advertisements in the newspapers and portals. “Out of these complainants, 20-25 students had even fallen prey to such offers so far. Apart from Punjab, we even received complaints from Haryana and Maharashtra,” he said.
“If anyone receives a call from any company or agency offering jobs and demanding money as security then immediately inform Chief Agriculture Officer of the district,” he said. Sandhu also said that government departments never demand money as security.
He pointed out that in Punjab, the Kisan Call Centre is run by IFFCO Kisan Sanchar limited (IKSl) and Central Government has recognised IKSl to recruit manpower in Kisan Call Centre. “No other agency or institute has authority to recruit manpower in Kisan Call Centre,” he said.