DST iTBI IIM Jammu empowers unorganized food vendors in Katra with FoSTaC workshop in association with FICSI & lead J&K

KATRA: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, through its DST iTBI (IIMJ-FEISD), in collaboration with the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, organized a one-day training workshop under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program for unorganized food vendors and women SHGs in Katra. The workshop was conducted in association with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and LEAD (LJK Economic Growth and Development Dialogue).

The training focused on Basic Food Safety (Catering) and aimed to equip street food vendors operating in and around the Vaishno Devi Shrine area with essential food safety and hygiene practices. This initiative aligns with IIM Jammu’s broader mission to promote inclusive growth and support grassroots entrepreneurs and workers in Jammu and Kashmir. Under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, the initiative underscores the Institute’s strong commitment to building inclusive and sustainable food tech ecosystems in the region.

The Chief Guest, Shri Pawan Goswami, Deputy CEO, SMVDSB, applauded IIM Jammu’s efforts to support food-cart operators and SHG members in adopting hygienic practices for brand development. The Guests of Honour included Shri Rakesh Wazir and Shri Virender Kesar, office bearers of PHDCCI and Katra Hotel Association.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rakesh Wazir commended the initiative and expressed optimism about the impact of such interventions. Representing LEAD, Shri K.K. Sharma, Former Director, Agricultural Produce and Farmers Welfare Department, Jammushared valuable insights on the food industry and challenges of adulteration, emphasizing the long-term importance of quality in building a trusted brand.

Ms. Pushpita Rana, Manager – Industry and Education Engagement & Placements, FICSI, appreciated the initiative, stating that grassroots-level food safety awareness is vital, especially in high-footfall pilgrimage destinations like Katra. She affirmed FICSI’s commitment to supporting collaborative efforts that bring structured training to informal sector workers and enhance their professional credibility.

The training was conducted by an expert trainer, with FSSAI, Shri Vinay K Stephen having over 25 years of experience DST iTBI–IIM Jammu plans to continue partnering with FICSI and other Sector Skill Councils to provide Master Trainers, certification, and administrative support via the FSSAI portal, ensuring seamless execution of training programs across the region. The initiative marks a significant step toward formalizing and empowering the food sector workforce, particularly in areas with strong tourism and hospitality potential.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer, IIM Jammu, emphasized that skill development at the grassroots is essential for realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He noted that formalizing food safety practices among street vendors in Katra is a foundational step, aiming not only to enhance public health but also to strengthen the hospitality sector — a key driver of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. IIMJ-FEISD intends to continue supporting grassroots workers with similar capacity-building programs.

Also present at the event were Shri KannavPadha, Manager, FEISD, and Ms. Dhruvi, Deputy Manager, who managed trainee registration, stage coordination, and post-workshop data collection. IIMJ-FEISD envisions scaling such initiatives across the Union Territory to deliver long-term impact. This event marks the beginning of a sustained collaboration between IIM Jammu and FICSI to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development in the region while empowering the unorganized workforce through structured training and certification.