Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday inaugurated the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM) constructed at Nongmaiching, Imphal East, Manipur under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The Institute offers courses like B.Sc. Hotel and Hospitality Administration, B.Sc Culinary Arts and Catering, BBA Travel and Tourism Management and Post Graduate Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality and Tourism.

Speaking on the occasion,  Biren said that the setting up of the SIHM is very important, adding that the tourism sector has much impact on the economy and employment generation in the State.

Mentioning the importance of developing tourism sector in the State, the Manipur CM said that the State Government had taken up many development projects across the State like construction of Sangai Ethnic Park, Manipur Olympian Park, Water Amusement Park, Heritage Park at Makhel and Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang among others.

Further highlighting the environmental degradation in the State, he also also talked on the rejuvenation work being taken up at Lamphelpat. While saying that developmental work could be taken up in foothill areas, where agriculture work could not be taken up, he also stressed the need to preserve paddy land to ensure food security in future.

Regarding the law-and-order situation in the State, Biren said that the Government is putting in all possible efforts to bring normalcy in the State. Security forces have been deployed in periphery areas and political dialogues have also been initiated to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The Chief Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Imphal East to make arrangements for deployment of security personnel around the Institute, to prevent disturbance from any unwanted elements as the institute is located near the foothill area.

He also appealed to the public to work hard with double efforts to take the State towards further development, saying that the State had lost much time due to the unprecedented conflict.