MNS activist Shamrao Kalbhor, who started the centre on February 19, said, “We started the centre following complaints of workers’ shortage from industrialists in Pimpri Chinchwad and Bhosari MIDC.

“We have put up announcements in local newspapers asking the unemployed Marathi youth to register with our centre. We have also requested the companies to come forward with job offers”, he said.

“Over 6,000 unemployed youth and about 150 companies from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have registered with us till now. Companies are offering monthly salaries between Rs 3,000 and Rs 10,000. Many of the candidates are SSC/ HSC or ITI passed, who are skilled in jobs like welding, fitting and other trades that were usually done by north Indians,” Kalbhor said.

Bapu Katare of Om Enterprises in Talawade said that six north Indian welders and helpers from his workshop fled due to MNS campaign. “We have demanded that the MNS provide us with equally skilled manpower. I am ready to pay them Rs 150 per day”, Katare said.

Vaishali Ugale, an executive from HDFC said that her company has placed an order with MNS for graduates in the account opening section. “We will pay a monthly salary of Rs 8,500 and above,” she said.

Ratan Pandurang Kamble, an MSc, appreciated the MNS centre. “I have got interview call from a city-based firm through the MNS”, he said.

“In the last one month, we have given interview calls to 2,133 candidates. Some are already recruited while some did not join due to less salaries offered by the companies”, Kalbhor said.

Kalbhor’s colleague Ashok Chougale said, “Initially we faced problems due to our inexperience in running a recruitment cell. But, encouraged with response, we have improved our management skills. Soon, we will upgrade our centre with computers.”