Ahmedabad: The Department of Higher Education has approved a grant of ₹10.86 crore for Gujarat University (GU) to establish an Institute of Hospitality, Heritage Management, Archaeology and Lifelong Learning, marking the first step towards a project estimated to cost ₹36.21 crore.

The proposed institute is expected to be developed over the next three to five years on a vacant plot along the 132-Foot Ring Road near the GMDC ground and adjacent to Andhjan Mandal. Gujarat University had earlier submitted a proposal to utilise the land for a facility that would combine academic programmes in hospitality and heritage studies with a five-star hotel.

According to university officials, the institute aims to strengthen education and research in hospitality, archaeology and heritage management while also promoting the preservation and management of cultural heritage.

The project is regarded as a key initiative of the current Vice-Chancellor, who has emphasised integrating classroom learning with practical industry exposure in the hospitality sector. With the first phase of funding now sanctioned, preliminary work on the project is expected to begin shortly.

The Higher Education Department has, however, attached several conditions to the approval. The university has been directed to prepare detailed construction plans and cost estimates in accordance with the prevailing Schedule of Rates (SOR) and obtain all necessary approvals from the competent authorities.

All construction activities must adhere to Public Works Department (PWD) norms, and the sanctioned funds can only be used for the approved purpose. The department has also prohibited the diversion of funds to any other project.

Further, the department has directed the university to utilise the sanctioned amount within two years, failing which the administrative approval will automatically lapse.

DeshGujarat