Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SETU AAYOG, Government of Uttarakhand, to establish a state-of-the-art hospitality skill-training centre in Nainital.
Driving inclusive growth through Paathya
Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President, IHCL said, “Uttarakhand is a well-established tourism destination with vast potential for employment generation in the hospitality sector. In line with IHCL’s ESG+ framework of Paathya, this upcoming skill centre will empower the region’s youth with industry-relevant training, encouraging inclusive growth while contributing to India’s travel and tourism economy.”
A collaborative model for regional upliftment
The New Skill Development Centre for Youth in Nainital, Uttarakhand is in collaboration with SETU Aayog, Tata STRIVE, Kumaun University (KU), Nainital, Uttarakhand Skill Development Society and Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand.
Aligning industry and academia
Raj Shekhar Joshi, Hon’ble Vice Chairman of SETU Aayog, said, “This initiative is a step forward in aligning industry and academia for job creation and regional economic growth. Through this partnership, Uttarakhand is setting a benchmark for collaborative, industry-driven and outcome-driven skilling.”
Training for the future
The multi-partner initiative includes Tata STRIVE as the implementation partner, with Kumaun University providing the centre infrastructure. The Departments of Skill Development and Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, will support operational funding. Over a period of three years, the centre aims to train over 500 youth through entry-level courses in Food & Beverage Service, Front Office and Kitchen, supported with hostel facilities. The program will also include on-the-job internships to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Enabling long-term career pathways
Ameya Vanjari, COO, Tata STRIVE, said, “This collaboration will open meaningful career pathways for the youth of the hills and create a ripple effect in local development.”
