Mumbai IT channels face music of a different kind

Mumbai IT channels are enraged this time for a different reason, as it seems
that they have been taken for a ride by a placement agency called Sigma Manpower
Consultants. Channels claim that the placement agency has taken the required
amount from them but not provided the correct candidates.

TAIT (Trade Association of Information Technology) has already received a
long list of complaints from IT hardware partners across Mumbai. "We have
received a number of complaints and I have also made a call to the placement
agency on this case, warning them before taking serious action," said
Kadwatkar, Secretary of Mumbai based TAIT.

On contacting one of the affected parties, Kiran Kothari, Proprietor of
Datalinker said, "The agency charges Rs 1500 per candidate, but there has
been no results. I had required a receptionist cum operator, but no appropriate
candidates have been sent till now. They send their representative first to
collect the required amount without even giving a stamp receipt. The receipt is
given only when asked and they also claim to have their own offices across
Mumbai, but nothing seems to be clear on this front too." He further added,
"TAIT must file a police complaint against the agency, as there are lots of
dealers who have been affected."

Pramod Dalmia, Proprietor of Sion based Spur Electronics had dealt and paid
the initial fees five years back, but nothing has happ-ened. "I had
required engineers for servicing, but no correct candidates have been sent. We
kept following up for few years, but finally, gave up after some time."

But on contacting Sigma Consultants, they had a different story to tell.
Sunny Mathew said, "We have been for 15 years in the business and not
operating in a short-term, small-scale way, as we have established registered
offices across Mumbai from Vasai to south Mumbai. Many a times, we are
sandwiched between the employer and the candidate. Candidates are looking out
for something and the employer doesn’t fit his profile. We receive thousands
of applications and therefore, it does take time to find the correct person.
Many a time when the IT traders want engineers they also want them to get into
marketing, due to which, many candidates do not prefer such employers. If there
are such grave complaints the case can be brought to us and we can rectify it
immediately."

Nancy Sudheer

Mumbai