Putting the right value systems in place is the hallmark and foundation for the success of any organisation, says Ashwani Lohani, MD and commissioner tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh. He firmly believes in decentralisation and speaks about the transformation of MP Tourism under his leadership By Reema Lokesh
The transformation of Madhya Pradesh (MP) Tourism is worth writing about. It can easily qualify as a case study of a team and its leader who worked relentlessly to transform a near shambles, loss making unit into a swanky, profit making organisation that proudly invites people to ‘Hindustan Ka Dil’. In 2004 MP Tourism operatedout of a small space in a shopping complex in Bhopal, which was about 80 sq feet. The office was depressing, the company was running into losses, the hotels were in an unpleasant state, and the overall morale rather dampened with just about a 12 crore turnover. However, the destiny of the unit changed when Uma Bharati, who was the tourism minister of Madhya Pradesh then, decided to bring in a bureaucratic into action who was known for his no nonsense attitude with his previous performance at the ITDC and the Indian Railways to revive and rejuvenate a place that was hidden behind the cobwebs of regular bureaucratic lethargy. The man who was brought into action was none other than bureaucrat Ashwani Lohani, MD and commissioner tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh. He took up the challenge positively with a single minded mission to get the place up and running in record time. He made changes on a daily basis that was visible and he worked from the grassroot level which reflected in the performance. This created a buzz that he was here to deliver. “The first thing I did was actually get down and clean up the office literally. How can one sit and ideate on tourism in a place that was unclean and depressing? I cleaned up my office and chamber, and then went on to chalk the MP success story steadily and surely,” says Lohani.
Complete decentralisation and power to his people is what he firmly believes in and implements it too. This gives him time to think on bigger plans and strategise for the future. “Empowering my staff and making them feel proud of their work and the company was crucial for the success of the organisation,” he says. Change has to be brought about by one person who can lead from the front, following which trust and team work is highly vital for the success of any organisation. “I want my corporation to work better than a private sector and I am confident we will achieve that,” adds Lohani.
His vision is clear – to bring in year-on-year profit for the organisation and aim for a 40 per cent growth across businesses. MP Tourism also runs its own hospitality properties across the state. Hotel Palash in Bhopal was also refurbished by the corporation and converted into a profit making venture. Other units like the one in Bhimbetka, was also redesigned in record time to make it functional for tourists along with quality F&B service. He changed the loss making ‘Dhabba’ units into successful businesses through quick decision making. He believes in working fearlessly towards his goal and does not believe in sitting on files. His quick thinking and clear decision making ability helps everyone in the organisation. ‘File called for case quashed’ is a famous term in the organisation. “I believe in doing the right thing in the right way with respect and dignity. For me my people are important and I feel HR is very critical in an organisational set up. If your people are happy it will reflect in their work. I am here to work and bring about change that is concrete. Even in my previous tenures I worked diligently. But I was also sacked for my best performance ever when I served in ITDC. I have no regrets and only believe in walking strong,” asserts Lohani. He has bigger plans to roll out during his third tenure with MP Tourism including improving infrastructure, across the board, both on road and in air, working towards establishing a convention centre, and toilets on the highway and more. With all these projects in the pipeline, there is no stopping this man, who wants to make ‘Hindustan Ka Dil’ strong and healthy.