Airport Jobs Recruitment Causes Chaos at Mumbai Airport as 25,000 Seek 2,216 Loader Positions

MUMBAI, July 17, 2024 – A recruitment drive for airport jobs at Mumbai airport yesterday spiraled into a chaotic, stampede-like situation as more than 25,000 job seekers turned up for just 2,216 vacancies. The massive crowd overwhelmed the Air India Airport Services Limited (AIASL) staff, struggling to manage the throng of hopeful applicants.

Stampede at Airport Jobs Recruitment Important Points:

Over 25,000 applicants vying for 2,216 airport loader positions.
Stampede-like conditions at Mumbai airport, highlighting unemployment.
Applicants endured hours without food or water, many fell ill.
Air India Airport Services Limited handled the recruitment drive.
Job positions offered a salary range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, potentially higher with overtime.
Aspirants included individuals with varying educational backgrounds, including degree holders.
The incident underscores severe unemployment issues in India.

Massive Turnout and Chaos

The recruitment event, aimed at filling 2,216 airport jobs vacancies, saw an unprecedented turnout of over 25,000 job seekers, causing chaos at Mumbai airport. Visuals from the site showed people jostling and pushing to reach the form counters, with some applicants fainting due to the lack of food and water during the long wait.

Job Details

Airport jobs for loaders involve responsibilities such as loading and unloading luggage, operating baggage belts, and managing ramp tractors. Each aircraft requires a minimum of five loaders to handle luggage, cargo, and food supplies. The positions, which offer a salary range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per month with potential for higher earnings through overtime, drew candidates from various educational backgrounds, including those with degrees.

Human Interest Angles

Prathameshwar’s Journey: Among the hopefuls was Prathameshwar from Buldhana district, who traveled over 400 km for the interview. A second-year BBA student, he expressed his desperation for employment, stating, “There is so much unemployment. I urge the government to create more job opportunities.”
Degree Holders Seeking Employment: Another applicant with a BA degree admitted he knew little about the job but needed employment. An MCom graduate from Rajasthan’s Alwar district also attended, citing the attractive salary as a reason for applying despite the basic education requirement for the job.

The incident prompted Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad to criticize the BJP, stating, “The unemployment situation has become so dire that youngsters are ready to fight wars for Russia and Israel. Whenever they hear of jobs, they gather in thousands, leading to stampede fears.”

Local BJP MP Mansukh Vasava blamed the private firms for poor planning, saying, “They should have specified the criteria properly instead of holding an open interview. We are concerned and steps are being taken to prevent such incidents.”

Similar Incidents

The Mumbai incident mirrors a recent event in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, where a viral video showed hundreds of job seekers pushing and shoving each other at a walk-in interview. Nearly 1,800 aspirants turned up for just 10 positions at a private firm, leading to the collapse of a railing on the ramp due to the weight of the crowd. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

The stampede-like situation at Mumbai airport is a stark reminder of the severe unemployment crisis in India. The desperation for airport jobs, even among degree holders, highlights the lack of adequate employment opportunities. Such incidents raise serious concerns about the management of large crowds during recruitment drives and the need for better organizational planning to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The recent chaos at Mumbai airport jobs recruitment drive underscores the urgent need for more job opportunities and better crowd management during large-scale recruitment events. As the country grapples with high unemployment rates, it is crucial for authorities to address these challenges to ensure the safety and well-being of job seekers.