New Delhi, Dec 1 – In an effort to boost tribal homestays, the Ministry of Tourism announced that it has cleared projects worth ₹17.52 crore under a programme, Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Monday.
The Ministry’s Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA), a sub‑scheme of the larger Swadesh Darshan initiative, offers financial backing for building and refurbishing tribal homestays and meeting community needs in village settings. Shekhawat highlighted that the scheme aims to develop homestays in tribal regions, encouraging sustainable tourism while creating more income opportunities for local people.
The funding structure allows up to ₹5 lakh for community projects, another ₹5 lakh for constructing two new rooms per family, and up to ₹3 lakh for renovating existing rooms. While the total funding approved reaches ₹17.52 crore, it has yet to be disbursed, he added.
Answering a different question, Shekhawat noted that the Ministry has signed a non‑commercial Memorandum of Understanding with an entertainment services firm to globally showcase Indian destinations through film‑based storytelling. The partnership will focus on India’s natural landscapes, cultural landmarks and heritage sites, including those in Gujarat.
He also explained that the Incredible India 2.0 campaign marks a shift from generic promotions to targeted thematic offerings aimed at key source markets, with the goal of drawing more international visitors. The tourism ministry promotes India as a comprehensive destination that emphasizes sustainability and responsible travel practices.
In addition, the ministry markets Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sites through social media, its website, and participation in industry fairs.
Finally, under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’, the central government approved 40 projects across 23 states in FY 2024‑25, allocating ₹3,295.76 crore, including in Bihar, to develop, brand and market iconic tourist hubs internationally.
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