Hospitality sector flags challenges, calls for policy support at city event

The Kolkata chapter of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) felicitated West Bengal Cabinet Minister Dilip Ghosh at a city hotel on Sunday, with over 150 members of the restaurant and hospitality sector, along with industry stakeholders and government representatives, in attendance.
Dilip Ghosh, who oversees the Departments of Panchayats & Rural Development, Agricultural Marketing, and Animal Resources Development, addressed the gathering and acknowledged challenges faced by the restaurant industry. He said the state government remains committed to improving ease of doing business and streamlining operations at the grassroots level. Emphasising the role of tourism and hospitality in driving employment and spending, he encouraged businesses to expand across the state.

During the event, Rudresh Agarwal, Joint Secretary of NRAI Kolkata, introduced Sip Smart, the association’s CSR initiative aimed at promoting responsible drinking, road safety and conscious consumer behaviour. He highlighted the role of the hospitality sector in encouraging safer consumption practices, underlining NRAI’s focus on responsible and sustainable growth.

Chapter Head Piyush Kankaria said the felicitation aimed to recognise the minister’s public service while strengthening engagement between the government and the hospitality industry. He reiterated NRAI’s focus on skill development, upskilling and job creation within the sector.

The programme also featured a live sand-art performance by Vaibhav Katwate, depicting key moments from the minister’s public life, which received appreciation from attendees.

The event concluded with calls for stronger collaboration between policymakers and the hospitality sector, alongside a continued push for initiatives such as Sip Smart to promote responsible industry practices in the state.