Hotel Amaltas in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, stands as a shining example of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s vision for women’s empowerment. Over the past six months, this women-run hotel has garnered nationwide attention. An innovative initiative of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, Hotel Amaltas represents a landmark step in the direction of empowering women and promoting self-reliance.
The entire staff of Hotel Amaltas, which was inaugurated on December 6, 2024, is comprised of women. This remarkable initiative by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has played a key role in transforming societal perceptions about women’s roles and capabilities.
From security guards and cooks to gardeners, chefs, watchwomen, and managers, a total of 22 women are working in various positions at the hotel. Hotel Amaltas is not only making women financially self-reliant but also providing a safe, positive, and empowering environment where women are demonstrating effective leadership.
Home-like facilities for tourists
Hotel Amaltas Manager Jyoti Jaiswal shares, “Just as women beautifully manage their homes, we have adorned and maintained this hotel with the same care and dedication. We aim to ensure that every tourist who visits leaves with a happy and memorable experience. This hotel is entirely managed by women, and we strive to provide every guest with the comfort and warmth of home.”
Guests enjoy home-style food
Waitress Sunita Sharma adds, “The atmosphere here feels like home. Guests enjoy home-style food, and they often tell us they feel at home here. We also work in a comfortable and supportive environment without facing any difficulties.”
Tourists often praise the quality of our food
Chef Kunti proudly mentions, “This is a pure vegetarian hotel, and we also serve South Indian cuisine. Tourists often praise the quality of our food. Our special dishes include Wada Sambar, Idli, and Dosa, which are especially popular among visitors.”
Sense of self-reliance
Hotel Amaltas receptionist Alia Fatima says, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has launched a commendable initiative for women. We are proud to be part of it. While many women still face challenges in stepping out for work, this opportunity has provided us with a platform to grow. It has improved our family’s financial condition, and the sense of self-reliance we have gained here gives us strength and confidence.”
Empowering Work Environment with Safety, Convenience, and Confidence
Sarita Chaudhary, a security guard at Hotel Amaltas, says, “I have been working here since September and currently handle night duty. So far, we haven’t faced any problems. We ensure that guests receive everything they need, and even during the night shifts, we work comfortably without any difficulties.”
Hotel Amaltas becomes favourite destination for women tourists
The presence of an all-women staff at Hotel Amaltas has led to a noticeable increase in the number of women tourists visiting the hotel. Women travelers feel safe, comfortable, and independent here. With home-like food and familiar facilities, Hotel Amaltas has become the preferred choice for women tourists. Many visitors have praised this initiative, suggesting that similar efforts should be adopted by other states as well to encourage women’s participation and integration into the mainstream of society.
Wonderful response of Mumbai tourist
Sonali, a tourist from Mumbai visiting Hotel Amaltas, shares, “We felt truly happy to see that the entire hotel is managed by women. It is essential to promote women’s empowerment, and MP Tourism has set a remarkable example through this initiative. This is a great step for the safety of women travelers, as the all-women staff creates an environment where women can feel completely safe and independent.”
This initiative by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is not limited to the hotel alone. Women gypsy drivers take tourists to various destinations, while women guides provide detailed information about the tourist spots, making the experience both safe and enriching for women travelers.
An inspiring example
Hotel Amaltas stands as an inspiring example that not only promotes women’s empowerment but also contributes to changing societal mindsets. This initiative proves that women are not just capable—they are fully capable of leadership. Hotel Amaltas has become a powerful platform for women's empowerment, presenting a perfect blend of cultural values, social security, economic self-reliance, and administrative support.
Prakash Kumar Pandey