"The most general approach adopted by companies is to release newspaper advertisements for candidate sourcing. These methods carry an inherent risk: 'The right person may not even apply'"

There are Two Reasons...

Firstly

India consists of multi-region, multilingual populations. There are 50+ language newspapers and 20+ English newspapers. There is not even one publication that captures attention all over India. There are newspapers which have ten to fifteen editions from different cities. The recruiting agent may release advertisements in one or two newspapers, without the guarantee of it coming to everyone's notice.

For example, "The Times of India" has maximum readership in Mumbai, with other editions published from Bangalore, New Delhi, Pune, and Ahmedabad. But the widest read newspaper in Bangalore is "Deccan Herald" and that in New Delhi is "Hindustan Times". The "Indian Express" has extensive readership with more editions including one in Chennai. But the most circulated newspaper in Chennai is "The Hindu". Compound this with the fact that 80% of people read local language newspapers, and you arrive at enormous cost factors. To reach candidates all over India, 50 local and 20 English newspapers would need to be used—a prohibitively expensive approach.

Secondly

The 'right' person you're looking for may not read recruitment advertisements at all. The ideal candidate is often already happy with their present, steady job where they're leading a good life.