Government Polytechnic for Women Srinagar Partners with J&K Hoteliers Club to Enhance Hospitality Training

Leh, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, today formalised a strategic industry–academia partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place on campus and was attended by heads of departments, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students of the Department of Travel & Tourism.

The MoU was signed in the presence of a distinguished delegation from the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club. The delegation included Jinab Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya (President, J&K Hoteliers Club), who also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest; Mr. Tariq Rashid Ghani (Junior Vice President); Mr. Naseer Khan (Treasurer); and Mr. Murad Kapra (Joint Treasurer).

The partnership aims to address a growing need for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector, particularly in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, which is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the overall development of the region. By enhancing the training of women in this field, the Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, is taking a significant step towards empowering young women and promoting gender equality in the workforce.

Both parties underlined the mutual importance of close collaboration between academia and industry to boost the employability, professional competence, and practical exposure of students in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation that will enable experiential learning, internships, industry visits, guest lectures, faculty exchange, joint workshops, and other skill-oriented initiatives designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world hotel and tourism operations.

This MoU is particularly relevant in the context of the increasing demand for skilled workers in the hospitality sector. According to various reports, the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to create thousands of jobs. However, this potential can only be realised if the workforce is adequately trained and equipped with the necessary skills. The partnership between the Government Polytechnic for Women and the J&K Hoteliers Club aims to fill this gap by providing students with practical training and exposure to the industry.

Principal, Government Polytechnic for Women, Er. Imtiaz Ahmad, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the college’s commitment to preparing students for industry demands by integrating hands-on training and sectoral exposure into the curriculum. He stated that this collaboration will not only enhance the educational experience for students but also ensure that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the hospitality industry.

Jinab Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya lauded the institute’s efforts in women’s technical education and expressed the Club’s readiness to support capacity building, mentorship, and employment pathways for students. He emphasized that the hospitality sector requires a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable to the changing dynamics of the industry. By working together, the two institutions aim to create a workforce that is capable of meeting these challenges head-on.

While speaking on the occasion, Jinab Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, President J&K Hoteliers Club, said, "This partnership is a significant step towards empowering young women with the practical skills and industry exposure required to excel in the hospitality and tourism sector. The Hoteliers Club is committed to providing mentorship, internships, and real-world training opportunities that will bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Together with Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, we will work to create sustainable career pathways and strengthen the local tourism ecosystem." The event was addressed by other key members of the J&K Hoteliers Club as well, who echoed similar sentiments about the importance of collaboration between education and industry.

During her address on the occasion, Mrs. Rukhsana Bashir, Head of Department, Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, said, "We warmly welcome this collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club. This MoU opens valuable avenues for our students to gain hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and meaningful internships that complement their classroom studies." She further elaborated that such partnerships are essential in nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals who are equipped to contribute to the sector's growth.

The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening institutional ties with the region’s hospitality industry and enhancing career prospects for diploma holders of the Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar. In addition to providing students with practical skills, the partnership is expected to foster a sense of confidence and independence among young women, enabling them to take on leadership roles in the hospitality sector.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader national and international trends that advocate for women's empowerment through education and professional development. As countries around the world recognize the importance of gender equality in economic growth, initiatives such as this one become increasingly vital. The hospitality industry, in particular, has been identified as a sector where women can thrive and contribute significantly, given its diverse opportunities and the emphasis on customer service and interpersonal skills.

In conclusion, the partnership between Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, and the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club represents a forward-thinking approach to education and industry collaboration. It not only addresses the immediate needs of the hospitality sector but also contributes to the long-term goal of empowering women in the workforce. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, such partnerships will be crucial in ensuring that the workforce is prepared to meet future challenges and seize new opportunities.