The pilot project of the programme will be based at Delhi/NCR and will be implemented across the country in coordination with state tourism departments subsequently.

Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management (AIH&TM), a certified hospitality training institute under India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) introduces a tailor-made programme in ‘Entrepreneurship Development’. The programme was formally inaugurated by Arvind Singh, IAS, Secretary (Tourism) at a webinar hosted by ITDC.

Under the ‘Entrepreneurship Development Programme’, graduates from hotel management institutes as well as recently unemployed and other experienced hospitality professionals will be provided with the non-financial support for running catering or hospitality-related establishments (canteen/café, Event Management, Manpower Services, Banquet services, Pest control, packaged foods, etc.) in government and private offices/institutions and other commercial buildings in various locations.

Singh commented, “ITDC’s initiative to create entrepreneurs under its Entrepreneurship Development Programme is a very timely and welcome initiative with the support of Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) under their organisations namely National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) & National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD). All interested graduates, diploma holders, and professionals who have lost their jobs will be approached for enrolment under the programme. These are very tough times for the industry and we are working towards the revival of the sector. I wish the programme all success.”

Selected candidates will be imparted training for 15 days on chargeable basis at Entrepreneurship Institute (NIESBUD) located at Noida and will be supported for further guidance by the institute. The institute will not only sensitise applicants on the framework and practices which have to be adopted for running a successful business, but also provide assistance in formulation of business plans, scouting for opportunities, etc. 

Additionally, ITDC would assist in Reviewing of Applications and selection of candidates, forming groups and getting them enrolled with Ministry of Corporate Affairs, providing complete support in setting up their business model, assisting the entrepreneurs in procurement of loans from banks in coordination with NIESBUD are some of the major responsibilities of ITDC.

On the other hand, NIESBUD will provide EAP Training to the candidate along with preparation of Project reports of Trainees. Handholding and Mentoring of Trainees is another obligation of NIESBUD. It will also help in registration of Enterprise of Trainees & regulatory compliances and will also support in establishment of Incubation Centre at ITDC Centers.

The pilot project of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme will be based at Delhi/NCR and will be implemented across the country in coordination with state tourism departments subsequently.