Collaboration to Open New Avenues for Tourism Studies in the State, Says Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh
Lucknow: In a landmark step to enhance the scope of tourism education in Uttar Pradesh, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management (MKITM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday. The agreement aims to foster collaboration in education, training, and research within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Under this MoU, both institutions will jointly conduct a range of initiatives including academic courses, workshops, and skill development programmes tailored to industry demands. As part of this collaboration, students will now be able to enroll in IGNOU’s tourism and hospitality programmes at MKITM as well.
The MoU was signed at a formal event held at the Tourism Bhavan in Gomtinagar, Lucknow, in the presence of key dignitaries including Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture; Prakhar Mishra, Director of Tourism; and Professor Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU. Also present at the event were Dr. Alok Choubey, Dr. Sonia Sharma (Director, SOTHSM), Prof. Harkirat Bains, Anil Kumar Mishra (Regional Director), Dr. Kirti Vikram (Assistant Director), and several MKITM officials.
Principal Secretary Meshram highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing prominence in the domestic tourism landscape. “We are currently ranked first in the country in domestic tourism. With such rapid growth, the demand for trained professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors has increased tremendously. This MoU with IGNOU will ensure that we not only develop skilled manpower locally but also supply qualified professionals to national and international markets,” he said.
Prof. Uma Kanjilal expressed that the partnership is a significant opportunity for IGNOU. “We are working on developing new modules tailored to the industry’s evolving needs. This will ensure that students receive high-quality vocational training and the industry gains well-equipped professionals. We also propose to designate MKITM as an official examination center,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Director of Tourism Prakhar Mishra remarked, “This partnership marks a major initiative in providing students with quality and practical education. It is a golden opportunity to elevate tourism education in the state and strengthen the tourism industry at large.”
As per the agreement, IGNOU and MKITM will collaborate to develop joint programmes in tourism and hospitality, promote vocational education through innovative learning methodologies, and work towards ensuring quality assurance in this field.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh welcomed the partnership. In his message, he stated, “This MoU between IGNOU and MKITM is a milestone for the state’s tourism sector. It will empower youth with quality education and training, helping them become self-reliant in this promising industry. This collaboration will undoubtedly open new doors of opportunity in tourism education across Uttar Pradesh.”
The partnership is expected to create a strong educational ecosystem to support the state’s growing tourism industry, equipping students with practical skills, enhancing employability, and fueling economic growth.
