Nagaland gets its first institute for Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Advisor for Tourism, Art & Culture, H Khehovi Yeputhomi inaugurating the State Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology in Dimapur on August 30. (Morung Photo) 
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 30

In a big leap forward, Nagaland has now its own State Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology to accommodate scores of Naga youths who opt for the hospitality industry every year.

Finally, these youths do not have to spend lakhs of rupees every year to undergo training in hotel management in other states and metros.

The State IHM located at Darogajan on the outskirts of the commercial hub was formally inaugurated by Advisor for Tourism, Art & Culture, H Khehovi Yeputhomi, on August 30.

“It (IHM) is a one of a kind opportunity that has been given to Nagas. In a generation where employment is scarce, getting the chance to generate new jobs is always a blessing,” the Advisor said in his address at the inauguration programme.

Khehovi said he positive that the institute would further and better the growing tourism and hospitality industry in Nagaland. He also expressed optimism that the institute would go a long way in establishing a “self-sufficient economy” for the people of Nagaland, at present and for generations to come.

The advisor said that right after assuming the charge of the Tourism department, he decided to physically verify and identify the projects being undertaken by the department. “I earmarked IHM with particular priority, seeing how it could help our state and people in terms of developing useful skills and improve the economy”, Khehovi said.

“Our goal is not merely to build a big building or to fill it with people, but also to make a strategic investment and to produce employment and more job opportunities for a greater Nagaland”, he stated.

Informing that the project would be included in the 100 days achievement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khehovi conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, North Eastern Council and financial institutions for successful completion of the project. He also acknowledged the initiative role of the State Chief Minister, the State Tourism department officers and the contractor of the project, late KY Chishi, for fruition of the project.

Khehovi also launched the short term course on basic hotel management for year the 2019.

Regional Director (NE), India Tourism, Guwahati, SS Devbarman, who also graced the inauguration, remarked that youths from the North Eastern states are exceedingly doing well in the tourism sector and hospitality services all over the country and world. Stating that there is tremendous future and prospects in tourism and hospitality industry in the North East, Devbarman also said with the setting up of IHM in Nagaland, the state will now have more professionally oriented candidates to boost employment generation.

Head of Department, IHM Guwahati, S Sinha, meanwhile stated that with “fermented food” becoming the latest trend in global cuisine, Nagaland with its variety of fermented food cuisines may as well become a “goldmine.”

Executive engineer, State Tourism Department, Er Thungdemo Patton, in his technical report said the IHM project started in 2007-08 with initial funding of Rs. 1269 lakhs from the Ministry of Tourism and state share (10%). Later, the North Eastern Council also stepped in and funded the other components of the project in two phases—Rs. 350 lakhs (2012-13) and Rs. 498 lakhs (2013-14).

Commissioner and Secretary for State Tourism, T Mhabemo Yanthan, chaired the inauguration programme and Director, Tourism Department, Akhale Vizol, proposed the vote of thanks. 

Yanthan noted that the huge resource of local exotic cuisines from different Naga communities can be exported to the outside world.  Organic food and vegetables which are largely found here will be an added advantage, he said, as food with right nutrients is what the world is looking forward to. Yanthan further said that innovation and application of the right frame of mind will upscale the state’s position in this competitive professional sector.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Director informed that the academic session for the 3-year diploma in hotel management will commence in July 2020. The State IHM will start with four departments –basic kitchen (food & beverages), housekeeping, bakery & confectionary and front office desk.