Campus placements at the University of Hyderabad have stalled since the institute has been embroiled in controversy surrounding Dalit PhD scholar Rohith Vemula’s suicide, students told IBN Live. They believe the protests have damaged the reputation of the university and are now left worried about their future, with just days left before the current semester ends.

According to the report, data from the university shows that 42 companies visited the campus in the August-December 2015 period. However, only 15 companies have visited the campus so far in 2016. Several students were sent to directly interview with companies when the university was shut down after protests broke out in January; many firms had had to reschedule their campus visits, too.

A student from the School of Computer and Information Sciences department said 60% of his classmates had yet to get placed. “Last semester, more than 10 companies had come to my department. This semester, only one came to campus, and for one, students went outside for interviews. The issue for students right now is to get a job,” he added.

In an attempt to alter the worrying situation, a job fair will be organised on campus on April 9. Students have appealed to those participating in agitations and to the administration as well to help rebuild the varsity’s image.