Patna: In a new initiative, a group of 14 girls staying at government-run shelter homes in Bihar have been selected for pursuing a diploma course in hotel management to help them lead an independent life. The expenses for their study will be borne by the state government.
The girls will study at Eurindian Academy of Hotel Management, Bengaluru, the branch of a foreign academic institution providing quality and professional education to underprivileged children. The girls, aged between 16 and 21, are currently lodged at various state-run short stay homes at Patna, Gaya, Madhubani, Begusarai, Motihari and Purnia districts of Bihar.
“Getting admission for the orphaned girls to this hotel management institute is a historic move of the state government. This will shape the future of these girls,” a senior official with Child Protection Society Dhiraj Kumar told the media on Tuesday. This is the first such initiative in the state, the official added.
Officials said initially that the girls were reluctant to pursue the hotel management course but after repeated counselling, they agreed to join. “The idea is to ensure all-round development of these girls and help them make a new beginning in their life,” programme manager at state Child Protection Society Mukta Mohini told the media.
The move to help the girls pursue courses in hotel management is part of the social welfare department’s initiative to bring the children to the social mainstream. The officials said they would try hard to ensure the girls get jobs after they complete the diploma course. Officials said all the academic expenses would be borne by the state government which will also bear the expenses to be incurred on arranging the flight tickets for Bengaluru.