Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government is continuously taking new steps to promote self-employment. Among these initiatives, the most popular has been the Homestay Scheme, under which the government has made significant progress in connecting youth with tourism by providing subsidies. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to offer the highest subsidy under the Homestay Scheme.
– Subsidy of up to 15 lakh rupees in mountainous areas
– Subsidy of up to 7.5 lakh rupees in plain areas
– Additional relief on bank loans
– Non-commercial rates on electricity and water connections
Growing irregularities, now the government is taking a stricter stance
Although the scheme has gained popularity, misuse has also increased rapidly. In many places, commercial buildings have been registered as homestays—for example, a physiotherapy clinic on the first floor, a homestay on the second, and a drug de-addiction center on the third! According to the rules, homestays are not permitted in commercial buildings, but a large number of such “so-called” homestays have been registered in recent years.
The government will strictly monitor them.
According to Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal, “The government is now making substantial changes to the homestay policy. Under the new policy, only permanent residents of Uttarakhand will benefit from the scheme. No homestay will be registered on leased land or in the name of a caretaker.” Furthermore, only those homestays will be registered where the owner resides and local participation is ensured.
Statistics to date
Currently, over 7,000 homestays are registered in the state, and the government has spent over ₹250 crore in subsidies on this scheme. The new policy will not only curb fake registrations but also create new opportunities for local youth.
