The effort is to make Fhrai-iHM self-supporting within two years: AK Singh, EttravelWorld

When the management of Fhrai decided to revive the institute of hotel management a few years from this academic year, the responsibility for the same was given to an experienced hospitality academician in AK Singh. With the National Council in its background, no time has been favorable for the hotel federation to put together a strong case for National Council affiliation.

Reportedly, FHRAI has invested INR 1.5 Cr in the last six months to prepare the infrastructure National Council. Singh himself is involved in repair and maintenance services in civil, electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning etc. It is included that despite the lockdown of almost 2 months, we have acted in a planned manner to carry out all maintenance and repairs in war mode,” he said.

For three years, the training infrastructure has been developed as part of the repair. All classrooms, laboratories, boys’ and girls’ dormitories were thoroughly renovated. While the boys’ hostel can accommodate 160 students, the girls’ hostel has a capacity for 70 students.

Fhrai-ihm will be the only private IHM managed by Apex Hotel Federation of the country under the NCHM system. Singh hopes it will increase its visibility and traction. Moreover, 60 percent to 70 percent of Jee Candidates are from North India. Fhrai – ihm is rightly placed for this captive market, he said.

Given the pandemic’s headcount restrictions for Jee this year, Singh understands that admissions this year will not be smooth sailing. Institutes should apply directly to admissions to fill seats. It also hopes to support Fhrai’s strong regional network by sponsoring or offering scholarships to students to fill several places.

On the academic side, the institute will run a 3-year BSC degree program and NCHM programs of diploma programs in food production, bakery and F&B service.

Apart from these regular programmes, Singh said they are approaching the Ministry of Tourism, which is a partner to the Government of India, for skill orientation and entrepreneurship development programmes. These programs currently only work through Central Ihms.

Being part of the Hotel Federation, the institute said it would also look at short training programs for members of the hotel association.

Singh understands the importance of financial management and self-financing of educational institutions of many prestigious HEIs of the National Board system, including HEI Mumbai. He considers it a priority for the institute to be self-supporting and self-reliant in the coming years. “At least we don’t want to bother Fhrai for the recurring expenses of the institutes because they have put a lot of money in building the infrastructure,” he said.

FHRAI also plans to set up a boutique training hotel on the spare land available on the institute premises if they find a suitable investor.

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