Imphal: The Assam Rifles on Saturday felicitated 29 local women who were selected for employment with Marriott International under its corporate social responsibility initiative, Project PRANITA.
The felicitation programme was attended by Brigadier S. Prashant of 27 Sector Assam Rifles, along with representatives of civil society and officials from the hospitality company.
The candidates were selected through online interviews conducted by the Assam Rifles at the Khuga Battalion Headquarters in late August. All 29 applicants who participated in the recruitment process were selected.
According to Sanjay Gupta, head of the Marriott Worldwide Business Council, Project PRANITA has been running for three years with the objective of providing underprivileged young people with opportunities in the international hospitality sector.
Under the programme, the selected candidates will pursue a Marriott-sponsored Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism programme at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University. The course combines formal academic training with paid internships, providing participants with both education and practical industry experience.
Gupta highlighted the performance of recruits from the Northeast, particularly their English-language skills, work ethic and suitability for service-sector roles.
The latest group follows the induction of 43 local candidates earlier this year. Marriott plans to increase recruitment from the region to 63 candidates annually, as part of its longer-term commitments towards training and accommodation.
The beneficiaries thanked the Assam Rifles for facilitating the programme, saying such initiatives can help create employment opportunities for young people from tribal communities living in remote areas.