Baramulla, June 28: In a significant development, Reacha Foundation on Friday launched a skill development project at the Chinar 9 Jawan Club Boniyar with an aim to provide local youth with essential employment skills in the hospitality sector.
The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Indian Army and the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) wherein around 200 young individuals will be trained in various trades within the hospitality sector.
The project is jointly funded and supported by IHCL, known for its prestigious brands Vivanta and Taj, and includes curriculum development by IHCL as well. The program seeks to address the acute shortage of skilled manpower in Kashmir’s booming tourism industry.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Human Resource Manager at Taj Vivanta Srinagar Arooj Nissar while highlighting the diverse skill sets of the project said that they will provide skill development in trades such as food production, housekeeping, and food and beverage service.
“This initiative is part of our larger effort to bridge the gap between available manpower and the demands of the hotel industry,” she said.
The training, set to run until March 2025, will be conducted in two batches of 25 students each, operating in parallel. The project will focus on creating a workforce of 100 hospitality bakery chefs and 100 specialists in hospitality housekeeping, food and beverage service.
“Our main agenda is to ensure that the youth of J&K are directed towards productive employment opportunities. By training our local youth, we aim to reduce reliance on manpower from outside the region and promote the local talent and ensure their sustainable development,” she said.
Notably, the curriculum includes practical training sessions, industry exposure, and certifications aligned with national standards, significantly enhancing the employability of the participants.
Additionally, courses in hospitality management, entrepreneurship development, and English language proficiency will be offered to provide a holistic professional education. Arooj Nissar said the initiative has been already launched in Kupwara and Baramulla town and has not been started at Chinar club Boniyar.
“At Taj Vivanta Srinagar, we have a dedicated wing for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and each month, we engage in various volunteer works. Our next target will be to extend these efforts to Srinagar city,” she said.
On the occasion, Brigadier of the Pir Panjal Brigade, PMS Dhillon also addressed the students.