Mysore: The lone Food Craft Institute (FCI) in the premises of Dasara Exhibition Grounds under the aegis of Tourism Dept. with support from the Central and State Governments has been drawing a lot of candidates to be groomed in Hotel Management sector.

The FCI, recognised by National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Noida (UP), is offering courses in food preparation and distribution, nutrition and hygiene, food costing, English language, computer application, decoration, personal hygiene, bakery production, front office work, house-keeping and guest relations. Candidates coming out of FCI get employment in luxury and star hotels. Unlike FCI, Private Colleges charge lakhs of rupees for Hotel Management courses which has hence made FCI very popular in city.

Nine years ago, FCI was established in Belur, Hassan district. As the number of candidates was not encouraging, the unit was shifted to Hassan where also the situation did not improve thus shifting FCI to Mysuru last year which has been getting good response right from the beginning.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Tourism Department Dy. Director H.P. Janardhan said that the Department has decided to retain FCI in Mysuru district. The Government has allotted a four-acre plot near Bandipalya for FCI to construct its own building.

Good opportunities

Janardhan contended that there are over 550 luxury hotels, resorts and restaurants in Mysuru and Kodagu with a lot of tourist spots.

The hotel industry in the two districts need trained staff. Hospitals and Educational Institutions along with reputed caterers too demand trained house-keeping staff and FCI would be able to cater to those needs,  he opined.

Free short-term courses

FCI offers free short-term courses for unemployed candidates in the age group of 18 to 35 years in the field of Food Production (18 weeks, pass in 8th std.), Bakery and Confectionery (6 weeks, 8th std.), Food and Beverage Services (12 weeks, 10th std.), Front Office (14 weeks, PUC) and House-keeping (12 weeks, 5th std.). Conditional stipend of Rs. 1,500 to Rs.2,000 is paid to the candidates.

Educational courses

An 18-month Educational Course for PUC passed candidates is also offered in Food Production, Bakery and Confectionery, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office and House-keeping. The age limit for admission is 25 years for General candidates and 28 years for SC/ST.

Candidates will be deputed for a six-month training in hotels and resorts during which a stipend of Rs.3,000 to Rs.6,000 would be provided to them. After completion of training, the Tourism Department would provide placement assistance for candidates.