Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma informed the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday that priority for implementing the state’s Homestay Scheme has been given to areas with strong tourism potential, particularly locations known for natural and cultural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, trekking routes, lakes, and sacred groves.
Responding to a query raised by VPP MLA, Heaving Stone Kharpran during Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister said that consultations were conducted at multiple levels with local communities, traditional heads, and district authorities before finalising the implementation areas.
Earlier, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira informed the House that the identification of locations for the scheme was based on a comprehensive tourism support assessment survey carried out across the state. The survey analysed tourist footfall, key attractions, infrastructure availability, and local economic potential.
He said that villages situated near major tourist destinations were grouped into clusters with similar characteristics to ensure that homestay development would maximize tourism growth while generating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Clarifying the selection of beneficiaries, Chief Minister stated that the scheme follows a three-tier approval mechanism.
At the district level, Chief Minister informed that District Tourism Officers scrutinise applications and conduct joint inspections with bank officials.
At the directorate level, Sangma said that project feasibility and financial eligibility are examined, while final sanction is granted by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department.
The Chief Minister further informed that 877 sanctions have been issued so far, of which 843 beneficiaries have already received financial assistance.
The Tourism Minister further stated that the Homestay Scheme aims to promote eco-friendly and community-based tourism in rural areas.
Shira informed that Each project is capped at Rs 10 lakh, with up to 70 per cent provided as subsidy through a combination of central and state support, while applicants contribute the remaining share.
Meanwhile, UDP MLA from Shella, Balajied Synrem raised concerns over delays faced by applicants in securing bank loans despite submitting the required documents.
Responding to the issue, the Chief Minister assured that the department would take up the matter with banks and extend necessary support to affected applicants.
