Students studying at iTpreneur, a private IT training institute located near Kalmadi Petrol Pump on Jangali Maharaj Road in Pune, have alleged that the institute has duped thousands of students under the false promise of 100 per cent job placements.
Over the issue, students and social activists staged a protest on Wednesday outside the institute.
According to the students, iTpreneur collected hefty fees of around ₹1 lakh from each student under the guise of providing specialised IT training and guaranteed placements. However, students were only made to attend a few classroom sessions before being sent to unknown or shell companies allegedly linked to the institute itself.
Sakshi Dhawade, one of the students, alleged, “These companies employed us for a few months without issuing salaries. When we asked for our pay, the companies threatened to dismiss us. We demand they return our money if they cannot provide the promised job opportunities. They lure students with false assurances, and many end up paying huge fees. The police should intervene in this matter.”
Another student, Sandip Babar, said, “We were promised job placements. On that assurance, the institute collected a large amount as fees. However, despite completing the computer course, we have not received any job yet. There are rumours that iTpreneur may be planning to shut down operations and flee without facing accountability.”
Nilesh Prakashsheth Nikam, a Right to Information (RTI) activist, told The Free Press Journal, “We urge the police to take strict legal action against this institute to prevent further exploitation of students before the culprits flee.”
