What Projects Worth Rs 17.52 Crore Have Been Approved to Promote Tribal Homestays?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ministry of Tourism approves Rs 17.52 crore for tribal homestays.
- Focus on promoting responsible tourism and improving tribal livelihoods.
- Financial assistance includes up to Rs 5 lakh for community needs.
- Part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan initiative.
- Incredible India 2.0 campaign aims to boost international tourism.
New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance tribal homestays, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned projects totaling Rs 17.52 crore as part of a dedicated scheme, announced Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, on Monday.
He elaborated that this initiative falls under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA), a component of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which offers financial support for the establishment and refurbishment of Tribal Homestays along with community requirements.
The scheme aims to develop homestays in tribal regions to encourage responsible tourism and create livelihood opportunities for tribal populations, Shekhawat stated during a Lok Sabha session.
The funding framework includes providing financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh for community needs, Rs 5 lakh for constructing two additional rooms per household, and up to Rs 3 lakh for upgrading existing rooms in each household.
Projects worth Rs 17.52 crore have received approval under this initiative; however, no funds have been disbursed as of yet, he mentioned.
In response to another inquiry, Shekhawat noted that the Ministry has signed a non-commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Entertainment Services company to globally promote Indian tourism destinations via cinematic storytelling.
This MoU encompasses the promotion of the country's natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and iconic sites, including those in Gujarat.
He further stated that the Ministry has initiated the Incredible India 2.0 campaign, shifting focus from general promotions to thematic offerings aimed at attracting a greater influx of international tourists to India.
The Ministry of Tourism strives to position India as a comprehensive tourism destination that emphasizes sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
Moreover, it actively promotes Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism destinations through various channels, including social media, websites, and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
In another response, he revealed that under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative, the Central government has approved 40 projects across 23 States, totaling Rs 3,295.76 crore for the Fiscal Year 2024-25. This initiative aims to thoroughly develop iconic tourist centers in India and promote them on a global scale.