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1,000 Tribal Homestays Approved to Boost Rural Tourism Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0

The Union Minister for Tourism announced the approval of an initiative to develop 1,000 tribal homestays under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. Financial support of up to Rs 5 lakh per unit is provided for new construction as part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan. The scheme aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a focus on rural circuits. The Ministry also promotes these initiatives through its Travel for LiFE programme, encouraging sustainable practices aligned with the SDGs.

Key Points: 1,000 Tribal Homestays Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme

  • 1,000 tribal homestays approved
  • Part of PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan
  • Up to Rs 5 lakh support per new unit
  • Swadesh Darshan revamped to 2.0
  • Focus on sustainable, responsible tourism
2 min read

1,000 tribal homestays to be developed under Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Shekhawat

Union Minister Shekhawat announces approval for 1,000 tribal homestays with financial support up to Rs 5 lakh, promoting sustainable rural tourism.

1,000 tribal homestays to be developed under Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Shekhawat
"The government has approved an initiative to develop 1,000 tribal homestays under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"

New Delhi, Jan 29

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday that the government has approved an initiative to develop 1,000 tribal homestays under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The homestays would be developed as part of 'Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan', and the intervention includes a support of up to Rs 5 lakh per unit (for new construction), up to Rs 3 lakh (renovation) and Rs 5 lakh for village community requirement, he said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

Shekhawat said that the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry has been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations following a tourist and destination-centric approach.

He said the Ministry promotes India in a holistic manner through various initiatives. As part of ongoing activities, promotion of rural homestays and rural tourism is also taken up.

"The Ministry of Tourism also regularly promotes various tourism destinations and products of rural tourism through its website and social media promotions," he said.

Shekhawat said that the Ministry, under its voluntary scheme of classification of Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments, classifies homestay facilities in the country.

He said the Ministry identified the rural circuit as one of the thematic circuits under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

"The projects/proposals for development of tourism-related infrastructure, including rural tourism, are identified for development under the circuit as per guidelines in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations," he said.

Stressing sustainable activities, Shekhawat said responsible tourism is a key pillar in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism formulated by the Ministry and circulated to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

In line with the strategy, the Travel for LiFE programme was initiated to encourage tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices, he said.

Inspired by Mission LiFE, the programme focuses on mindful resource use, reducing waste (like single-use plastics), and supporting local economies to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great move for rural economy. But the real challenge is execution. State governments need to ensure proper training for homestay hosts about hygiene, hospitality, and digital payments. Otherwise, it will remain just a scheme on paper.
A
Arjun K
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focusing on sustainable tourism is the need of the hour. Travel for LiFE programme sounds promising. We must protect our tribal culture from being turned into a mere tourist commodity though. Balance is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves traveling off the beaten path in India, this is exciting news! I've stayed in a few rural homestays in the Northeast and the experience was incredible. More options will help decentralize tourism. 👍
V
Vikram M
Good step, but the funding seems a bit low for new construction? ₹5 lakh might not be enough in many tribal areas with difficult terrain. Hope there is flexibility and additional support for infrastructure like roads and water supply.
M
Meera T
Promoting tribal homestays is excellent for preserving indigenous arts and crafts. Tourists buying directly from artisans will boost local economies more than any big hotel chain. Hope they market these experiences well internationally too.

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