- Key Points:
- Over 25,000 applicants arrived for 2,216 Air India maintenance jobs, nearly causing a stampede.
- Recruiters had to send applicants home with promises to review their resumes and contact eligible candidates.
- The handyman position offered a salary of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 with potential overtime earnings above Rs 30,000.
What Caused the Massive Turnout for Air India’s Maintenance Jobs?
On July 16, an overwhelming number of job seekers, over 25,000, descended on Mumbai’s Kalina for walk-in interviews conducted by Air India Airport Services. The job opening was for the handyman position, which entails various repair and maintenance tasks at the airport. This overwhelming response was for only 2,216 available positions, leading to a near stampede situation that had to be controlled by the authorities.
The job seekers, primarily freshers who had just passed Class 12, gathered at gate no. 5 near the Sahar cargo complex upon learning about the job vacancy. The sheer volume of applicants prompted fears of chaos and potential danger, compelling the recruiters to ask the candidates to leave their resumes and return home. The recruiters assured the applicants that all resumes would be thoroughly reviewed, and eligible candidates would be contacted for the next steps in the hiring process.
How Was the Situation Managed?
The police and recruiters worked together to manage the crowd and prevent any untoward incidents. An official from Sahar police station reported that the situation was eventually brought under control. To streamline the process and ensure safety, the recruiters decided to call 200 applicants at a time for interviews.
What Are the Job Details and Why the Huge Turnout?
The handyman position involves significant physical labor, including heavy lifting and various operational tasks. The job offers a monthly salary ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, with the possibility of earning above Rs 30,000 through overtime allowances. Although the educational qualifications required for the job are flexible, the role demands physical strength and readiness for rigorous duties.
The massive turnout for these positions highlights the intense competition for jobs in the current market. George Abram, the general secretary of the Aviation Industry Employees Guild, criticized the recruitment process for not being adequately prepared to handle such a large number of applicants. “People came for thousands of vacancies. They brought demand drafts, but we told them not to pay anything yet and that they would be called in later,” Abram told ToI.
What Does This Incident Reveal About Job Market and Recruitment?
This incident brings to light the fierce competition for available jobs and the challenges of organizing large-scale recruitment drives. The overwhelming response underscores the high demand for employment opportunities, even for physically demanding jobs with modest pay.
Industry observers suggest that more effective planning and better crowd management strategies are essential for such large recruitment events. Proper communication and pre-registration processes could help avoid similar chaotic situations in the future.
In conclusion, while the allure of stable employment with Air India Airport Services drew an unprecedented number of applicants, the near-stampede situation highlights the urgent need for more organized and safe recruitment practices. This incident serves as a wake-up call for companies to reassess their approach to large-scale hiring to ensure safety and efficiency.
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