Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM) constructed at Nongmaiching, Imphal East, Manipur under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on Thursday.
The Institute offers courses including B.Sc. Hotel and Hospitality Administration, B.SC, Culinary Arts and Catering, BBA Travel and Tourism Management, and Post Graduate Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality, and Tourism.
The programme was organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur. The implementing agency for the construction of the State Institute of Hotel Management was entrusted to the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Singh stated that the setting up of the SIHM is very important, adding that the tourism sector has much impact on the economy and employment generation in the State.
Mentioning the beauty of the landscape alongside the Institute, he urged both the trainers and trainees of the institute to maintain a good relationship with nature and preserve it while enjoying its scenic beauty. He also stressed the need to show a sense of belongingness.
He spoke on the requirement to upgrade the approach road of the Institute to a double-lane road.
Concerning the importance of developing the tourism sector in the State, Singh maintained that the State Government had taken up many development projects across the State like construction of Sangai Ethnic Park, Manipur Olympian Park, Water Amusement Park, Heritage Park at Makhel and Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang among others.
As the SIHM is situated in a foothill area, the Chief Minister instructed the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Imphal East to make arrangements for the deployment of security personnel around the Institute, to prevent disturbance from any unwanted elements.