Pakoras, chai set for certified low-cal change

MUMBAI: Take a sip of the cutting chai and sit back for this piping hot information: your neighbourhood tea vendor and the pakorawala right next to him will soon offer you low-calorie, hygienic food, served with certified marketing skills.

The central and state governments have allowed over 7,000 restaurants under Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association (Ahar) to train and certify thousands of waiters, helpers and cooks under a vocational training programme so that they can offer better services. After completing the training, if any of them decides to set up his own tea or snacks stall, his certificate and the skills he learnt from the course will go a long way in serving his consumers.

"It's an innovative step that our members have welcomed. We will soon draft the curriculum to help workers in restaurants attain the skilled status. This will not only help the, industry but also patrons,'' said Ahar president Narayana Alva.

Around 2 lakh labourers, mostly unskilled, work in restaurants and three-star hotels, while an equally large number runs food and tea stalls. Alva said the training will span over three to six months, during which the workers will be paid.

"Till today, only restuarants or big food joints get certificates. Now small-time entrepreneurs too will have the opportunity to turn the neighbourhood eatery into a professional place,'' he added.

"It will also stop owners employ unskilled labourers or children in their stalls. Whether he is a helper, waiter or a cook, the training and certificate will also add to his value in the market,'' said former Ahar president Chandrahas Shetty.
According to an Ahar source, the move is part of the PM's Vocational Training Provider programme.