Only 30% Goan students at IHM; outreach drive targets 50% in 4 yrs

Shahin Bepari Lambe

Panaji

With only 30 per cent of its intake comprising Goan students, the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Goa has launched outreach initiatives to raise local participation to at least 50 per cent over the next three
to four years.

“Being an institute in Goa it should have at least 50%, but currently there is 30%. To improve local participation in the state, the Institute of Hotel Management Goa is conducting expos and outreach programmes in schools, especially in hinterland areas, to inform students about career opportunities in hospitality,” said Dona D’Souza, Principal of the Institute of Hotel Management Goa.

She said that in another three to four years, the drive is expected to show results with increased numbers of local students.

While students from across India continue to secure admission through the national entrance examination, participation of local students has yet to reach the desired level.

“Many students from faraway areas do not know that this institution exists and that it is affordable and gives quality education. The exposure we are creating
is helping in awareness,”
she said.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the institute admitted around 400 first-year students. The current intake stands at 300. At any given time, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in the three-year degree programme, she said.

In addition to the three-year BSc degree course, IHM Goa offers short-term skill-based courses in food production and food and beverage service, including craft, diploma and certificate programmes. These
are open to students after SSC and Class 12, with no age bar.

“We train students at the skill level. The courses are shorter in duration and job-oriented, so as soon as they finish, they can get a job,” D’Souza said.

IHM Goa is affiliated to the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology under the Ministry of Tourism, making it a central government body. Being under a national body ensures structured programmes, fully equipped departments and laboratories, and strong industry tie-ups.

Currently, bakery and cafe products are among the most popular courses. Bartending and cocktail-making have also been trending for the last two years.

“We have all departments we have all labs which are fully furnished. We have
tie-ups with the industry.” she said.

Because of the structured programmes that we conduct and the size and magnitude of the institution, we are one of the prevailing institutes in the country,