On the 9th of April, 2025, the Department of Business Administration at Girijananda Chowdhury University (GCU) organized an industrial visit to ITC Limited’s plant located in Kukurmara Rampur, Assam. The purpose of this visit was to provide the MBA final-year students with an opportunity to gain practical insights into the operations of a major FMCG company, specifically within the context of a manufacturing facility. Accompanied by faculty members Md. Faruk Ahmed and Mr. Abhishek Kakati, the group of 27 students had the chance to explore various aspects of factory workings, including production, quality control, safety and sustainability practices.
Upon arrival at the ITC Limited plant, the students were greeted by the HR Manager, Major Rupam Talukdar, who began the visit by briefing the group on the safety measures and protocols to be followed during the tour. Major Talukdar highlighted the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hair caps, safety shoes, shoe covers and gloves, ensuring the safety and well-being of the participants during the visit. He also discussed emergency procedures and the essential steps to take if any safety issues arose during the tour. This safety briefing was an important first step in ensuring that the students understood the significance of adhering to safety guidelines in an industrial environment.
Following the safety briefing, Ms. Jinti Das Lahkar, the Quality Assistant at ITC Limited, led the students through an informative session on quality assurance. Her presentation focused on the various quality dimensions maintained by ITC in their manufacturing processes and she emphasized the stringent protocols in place to ensure that the products meet the highest standards. Ms. Lahkar’s interactive session allowed the students to learn about the significance of quality control in FMCG products and the measures that are taken to guarantee product consistency and reliability. She also discussed the role of quality assurance throughout the production process, providing students with valuable insights into the importance of maintaining quality in a competitive market.
After the session on quality assurance, the group was guided by Ms. Pompi Hazarika, the Quality Supervisor at the plant. She took the students on a tour of the factory, where they were able to observe the live production processes of two well-known ITC products—Bingo Tedhe Medhe and Moms Magic Cookies. Ms. Hazarika provided a comprehensive explanation of the various stages of production, starting from the processing of raw materials to the final steps of packaging and labeling. She demonstrated how ITC adheres to strict safety measures at every stage of the manufacturing process and how they integrate continuous improvement practices, such as Kaizen, to enhance operational efficiency. Students were encouraged to ask questions throughout the tour, and Ms. Hazarika addressed all queries related to raw material sourcing, production techniques, and packaging standards, further deepening the students’ understanding of the manufacturing process.
After lunch, the group reconvened for a post-lunch session led by Major Rupam Talukdar and his colleague Ms. Baljinder Kaur. During this session, they discussed in greater detail ITC’s focus on food safety, quality control and sustainability. Major Talukdar explained how ITC has maintained its commitment to sustainability for over 115 years, consistently adopting environmentally responsible practices while ensuring that their operations meet global standards. He highlighted the company’s efforts in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and its long-standing dedication to sustainability, which has been pivotal in building consumer trust and market leadership. The discussion provided students with a broader perspective on how a company can integrate sustainability into its core business operations.
The visit concluded with an engaging session led by Mr. Keshav Chadha, the Head of ICML (Indian Cigarette Manufacturing Limited) and the Factory Manager of the Kukurmara plant. Mr. Chadha provided insights into ITC’s marketing strategies, discussing the company’s position in the FMCG sector, its approach to dealing with competitors, and its financial strategies for future growth. He shared information on how ITC adapts to market changes, consumer preferences, and technological advancements to maintain its market share. Additionally, Mr. Chadha explained how the principles of Kaizen are applied not only in production but also in improving various business functions. This session was particularly valuable for students as it provided a real-world perspective on how companies in the FMCG sector manage competitive challenges and strive for continuous growth.
The industrial visit was formally concluded by Md. Faruk Ahmed, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of Girijananda Chowdhury University. He expressed gratitude to the ITC team for their generous support and for providing the students with a valuable learning opportunity. Mr. Ahmed thanked the students for their active participation throughout the visit and acknowledged the detailed presentations and hands-on experience that contributed to a greater understanding of the industry’s workings.
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