In a shocking development that has raised serious questions about ethical recruitment practices, students from Karnataka's Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) have come forward with allegations that several companies are demanding money to offer internships. This practice directly contravenes established norms where companies are mandated to pay stipends to interning students.
University Springs into Action, Forms Probe Team
Taking these grave allegations with utmost seriousness, the university administration has swiftly moved to address the issue. VTU has constituted a dedicated investigative team to thoroughly probe the claims made by its student body. The team's mandate is to identify the companies involved, verify the students' complaints, and gather concrete evidence. The allegations surfaced publicly on 06 January 2026, prompting immediate institutional concern.
The Core of the Allegation: Paying for Opportunity
The central complaint from the students revolves around a predatory practice where instead of receiving a stipend for their work, they are being asked to pay a sum of money to secure an internship position. This not only places an unfair financial burden on students but also exploits their need for mandatory practical training to complete their degrees. Internships are a crucial academic requirement, and such practices target students who are under pressure to fulfill these criteria, potentially compromising the quality and legitimacy of the training experience.
Implications and the Path Forward
The outcome of VTU's probe is eagerly awaited by the academic community and industry stakeholders alike. If proven true, these allegations could lead to blacklisting of the implicated companies from university placement drives and possible legal repercussions. The incident highlights a critical need for stronger safeguards and clearer channels for students to report malpractice without fear. It also underscores the importance of universities actively monitoring their industry partners to ensure compliance with ethical internship standards that benefit, rather than exploit, the future workforce.
The university's prompt response in forming an investigation team signals a commitment to protecting its students' interests. The final report, expected to be submitted soon, will determine the next course of action and hopefully set a precedent to deter such exploitative practices in the future.
