Affirmative Action in Hospitality
Tourism and hospitality are vital to India’s economy, contributing over $231 billion to the GDP in 2023. This thriving sector offers a unique opportunity to embed affirmative action at its core, driving organisational success and societal progress by ensuring equal opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, thus fostering a more inclusive industry.
The sector is present with hotels and resorts in remote leisure destinations as well as in industrial townships in Tier II & III cities across the country, presenting a scope for socio-economic upliftment of the communities in these regions which account for a large section of the country’s marginalised. IHCL is growing its presence in North East India to 25 hotels, developing island resorts in Lakshadweep and with its mid-scale brand Ginger penetrating the smaller cities in India.
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), through the Tata Affirmative Action Program (TAAP) framework has successfully integrated affirmative action into its operations. Promoting positive discrimination, it enables equity of opportunity for all stakeholders and supports marginalized communities.
Catalysing Inclusion Through DEI Policies
India has witnessed a 33% year-on-year surge in diversity hiring as of June 2024 (Foundit), reflecting an increased corporate commitment to robust DEI policies. For IHCL, this is more than a trend—it’s a mission. With initiatives such as the DIWA program, which offers skilling and employment opportunities for women from underserved communities, and New Genderation, which promotes equity, IHCL ensures inclusivity is woven into its fabric. Under its “She Remains the Taj” framework, IHCL has set a bold goal: achieving 25% women’s participation in its workforce by 2025.
In addition, empowering marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), IHCL is creating a workforce reflective of India’s diverse society.
Bridging the Skills Gap
The hospitality sector employed approximately 11.1 million people in India in 2023, a figure projected to rise to 11.8 million by 2024. This growth highlights a critical need for specialized skills. Recognizing this, IHCL has invested in bridging the skills gap, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Through 38 skill centres, IHCL aims to enhance employability and capacity-building. By collaborating with local governments and partners, IHCL is on track to equip 100,000 individuals with industry-relevant skills by 2030. These efforts not only address the sector’s workforce needs but also unlock local talent and expertise, driving growth from within the communities it serves.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. IHCL actively supports entrepreneurial ventures within SC/ST communities, women, and PwDs through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. These initiatives preserve traditional arts, empower local communities, and foster sustainable development.
IHCL’s Varanasi Handloom Weavers Support Program has been a game-changer for women from low socio-economic backgrounds. By directly engaging families in weaving Banarasi sarees for IHCL uniforms, this program has revitalized a dying art while ensuring fair wages for the weavers. Similarly, IHCL’s Corbett property collaborates with local women’s groups to craft tableware inspired by traditional designs using munj grass. These efforts preserve heritage while bolstering local economies.
A Roadmap for Equity in Hospitality
IHCL’s commitment to affirmative action is a testament to its belief in the transformative power of inclusion. By fostering opportunities for marginalized communities, IHCL not only addresses systemic inequities but also leads the way in the industry, and underscores the sector's potential to be a catalyst for a more just and equitable India.
Gaurav Pokhariyal,
Executive Vice President - Human Resources,
IHCL
