Internships for Science, Arts students in Andhra Pradesh not satisfactory

Vishakapatnam: Students and their unions are expressing their concern over the lack of seriousness in facilitating internships for the students of Science and Arts degree courses in AP as is required under the New Education Policy (NEP).

Many colleges are placing students in companies that are in no way connected to their core subjects, it is said.

As per NEP guidelines, internship is mandatory for all science and arts courses like BA, B.Com, B.Sc to improve the students’ practical knowledge before they set out seeking jobs. It is envisaged that they must have a basic idea about their job profile and work environment.

The state secretary of the pro-CPIM Students Federation of India (SFI) A Ashok said that only five per cent of the 2.05 lakh degree students in the state's 2,657 colleges -- including 165 government degree colleges and 2,492 private colleges -- are taking up internships with any seriousness.

Most students are not availing the opportunity due to various reasons. For one, the college managements are not keen on their students taking up internships in reputed institutions. This apart, students are taking up internships in companies that are not related to the course they are studying. Worse, the government is not paying any serious attention to ensure the system works properly.

Ashok said that the SFI conducted a survey in three regions of AP --North Andhra, Rayalaseema and South Andhra -- on the internship programme envisaged in the new education policy and the ways of its implementation.

For instance, in a college in Vijayawada, “A science student was asked to do an internship at an online business firm. The student is taught how to pack items for online delivery. Instead, the science student should be allowed an internship in a pharmaceutical company or the like. Many government institutions including banks do not allow students in for internships,” Ashok told Deccan Chronicle.

When contacted, an Andhra University administration official said, “Preparations are on for internships with stipend for college students across the state. The government is also in talks with collectors and heads of various universities to ensure that industries facilitate internships for students under the new education system.”