Assam rehab centre launches hospitality training programme for differently abled

GUWAHATI Shishu Sarothi, a Guwahati-based rehabilitation and training center for the differently-abled, has launched a certificate course in accommodation for the differently-abled, the first of its kind in the northeast region.

Organized in collaboration with Gateway Institute of Hotel Management (GIHM), the certificate program in hotel management education is designed for a maximum of 40 candidates with different types of disabilities. These include those with cerebral palsy, locomotor disabilities, low vision, and blood disorders such as hemophilia, thalassemia, and sickle cell.

“We excluded the visually impaired because we do not have special Braille learning equipment. The course is for candidates aged between 18 and 40,” said Saswati Saikia, program manager of Shishu Sarothi’s skill development programme. Hindu.

“We are expecting candidates from all over Assam, provided they have passed Class 12 and can manage accommodation with a monthly salary of ₹ 5,000. However, most of the candidates are likely to be from Guwahati and adjoining districts,” he said.

LIC Housing Finance Limited is supporting the six-month program under Project Sarthak. The course includes a one-month internship in major organizations in the hospitality industry in Assam.

According to Pallav Baruah, center head of GIHM, the course has been approved by Assam Skills University.

“Candidates will be given training on front office management, housekeeping, digital literacy and food and beverage. The support provided covers the entire course fee,” he said.

Established in 2017, GIHM was ranked the best hotel management institute in Guwahati by Merit Awards and Market Research, Noida on 20 December 2025.

Founded in 1987, Shishu Sarothi currently has over 100 students who are taught by a team of trained dedicated educators, parents and volunteers. The center serves children with different developmental disabilities in Assam and beyond.