Rourkela: Sundargarh district administration has extended free education to eligible students of all sections from six mining affected blocks of the district in the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM) at Balangir for various degree and diploma courses during the current academic session (2022-23).
Apart from these students, those belonging to scheduled cast (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) communities of all 17 blocks can avail the free education facility at the institute.
This Administration has made the provision under its skill development initiative to educate youths and open livelihood opportunities for them. Sundargarh collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan has appealed to students to avail the opportunity to realise their career dreams.
Principal of the institute, Suresh Kumar Eknath said the admission process has already begun and interested candidates from Sundargarh district can directly take admission by producing educational certificates and residential proof. The last date for submitting application has been fixed on July 31.
The District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Sundargarh will bear the entire expenses for admission and completion of the course by the students. It includes course fee, hostel (boarding) and food expenses.
As a DMF sponsored project, priority will be given to students from mining affected blocks of Koira, Lahunipara, Hemgir, Kutra, Kuarmunda and Rajgangpur.
Earlier, the district administration had signed an MoU with SIHM, Balangir to provide free education to students from the mining affected blocks. So far, 50 students have benefitted under the scheme.
The state government-run institute, which is regarded as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the country, provides three-year degree course (BSc) in Hospitality and Hotel Administration and one and a half year diploma in Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, House Keeping, Front Office Operation, Bakery and Confectionary as well as Craftsmanship Certificate Course in Food Production and Patisserie.
