In a significant move to bolster hospitality education and infrastructure, Jharkhand's Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey and Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar jointly laid the foundation stone for a new executive development centre at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Ranchi.
Boosting Infrastructure for Future Hospitality Leaders
The ministers also initiated the expansion project for the existing girls' hostel at the premier institute. IHM Ranchi, which operates under the state tourism department, holds affiliation with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), a body under the Union Ministry of Tourism.
During the ceremony, Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar highlighted the institute's rising prominence. He stated that IHM Ranchi is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising institutions in Jharkhand. Kumar emphasized the critical role the institute will play in preparing a skilled workforce for the state's burgeoning tourism sector. He pointed out that Jharkhand's deep-rooted cultural heritage remains its strongest identity and a key asset for the industry.
Focus on Local Heritage and Sustainable Development
Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey commended the institute for its efforts in promoting local food heritage and traditional cuisines. She urged students to focus on innovation using locally sourced agricultural produce. Tirkey stressed the importance of integrating nutrition and sustainable development principles into their culinary and hospitality practices, thereby creating a unique value proposition linked to Jharkhand's resources.
IHM Ranchi's Principal, Bhupesh Kumar, described the day as a historic milestone for the institution. He expressed that the foundation-laying for the auditorium-cum-executive development centre symbolizes new energy, aspirations, and a renewed commitment to excellence. The new infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance the institute's educational standards, training capabilities, and future opportunities for its students.
A Step Towards Strengthening Tourism Education
The dual projects underscore the state government's focus on developing professional education infrastructure aligned with economic growth sectors. The executive development centre is poised to offer advanced training and seminar facilities, while the expanded hostel will accommodate more students, particularly women, seeking careers in hospitality and tourism.
This development is seen as a direct investment in Jharkhand's human capital, aiming to create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to leverage the state's cultural and natural assets for tourism growth. The initiatives at IHM Ranchi are expected to set a benchmark for hospitality education in the region.
