**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3552, answered on August 11, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism addresses the implementation of a Homestay Scheme to promote local culture and provide affordable accommodation. The Ministry of Tourism classifies homestays under the voluntary "Incredible India Homestay Establishments" scheme, with two categories: Gold and Silver, based on established guidelines.
The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan includes the development of 1000 homestays to improve the socioeconomic condition of tribal communities. States/UTs can access up to Rs. 5 Crore to implement 5-10 homestays per village within village clusters of 5-6 villages, subject to guidelines issued on July 1, 2025. The Budget Announcement for 2025-26 includes collateral-free Mudra Loans for homestays to further encourage their establishment nationwide.
The Government acknowledges Uttarakhand's success in promoting homestays through schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grah Aawas Vikas Yojana and Aitithi Uttarakhand Grah Awas Yojana. While these schemes are specific to Uttarakhand, other States/UTs are implementing similar initiatives. Rajasthan implements the "Paying Guest House Homestay Scheme 2021," which covers registration and certification of homestays including those in Mount Abu.
Key Entities Referenced
Homestay Scheme: A government initiative to promote tourism by providing tourists with accommodation in local homes.
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Incredible India Homestay Establishments: A voluntary scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to classify homestay facilities in India based on quality and services.
Uttarakhand: A state in India known for its homestay schemes and tourism initiatives.
Rajasthan: A state in India implementing registration and certification of homestays.
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan: A government scheme for improving the socioeconomic condition of tribal communities, including the development of homestays.
Mudra Loans: Collateral-free institutional credit provided by the Government of India to assist in setting up homestays.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grah Aawas Vikas Yojana: A scheme in Uttarakhand to encourage homestay facilities and local entrepreneurship.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. Ɨ3552
ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME-STAY SCHEME
Ɨ3552. SHRI LUMBARAM CHOUDHARY:
SHRI ARUN GOVIL:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to launch Home-stay Scheme to
enable the tourists to experience the local culture and lifestyle and to
provide safe, clean and comfortable accommodation at affordable
rates;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is aware of the Home-stay Scheme of
Uttarakhand that is providing self employment to the local people;
and
(d) whether the Government proposes to implement this scheme across
the country, State/UT-wise particularly in Rajasthan including Mount
Abu?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) and (b): Yes. To ensure the quality of services and experience for
different classes of both domestic and international tourists, Ministry of
Tourism, under its voluntary scheme of Incredible India Homestay
Establishments classifies fully operational rooms of homestay facilities in
the country. Homestays are classified under two categories- Gold Category
and Silver Category based on the extant Guidelines issued by the Ministry.
The Government also approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat
Gram Abhiyan for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal
communities, and development of 1000 homestays is a part of the scheme.
The States/UTs can avail assistance of a maximum of Rs.5 Crore forimplementing 5-10 homestays per village in a village cluster of 5-6 villages,
subject to eligibility as per the Guidelines issued on 01.07.2025.
Additionally, the Government of India also announced collateral free
institutional credit of Mudra Loans for Homestays in the Budget
Announcement for 2025-26 to assist and encourage setting up of
homestays across the country.
(c) and (d): Yes. As per the information provided by the Government of
Uttarakhand, homestay facilities are actively encouraged in Uttarkhand
through schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grah Aawas Vikas Yojana
and Aitithi Uttarakhand Grah Awas Yojana, which aim to promote local
entrepreneurship. These schemes are specific for the State of Uttarkhand,
however, other States/UTs are also implementing similar or equivalent
schemes in their jurisdiction.
The State Government of Rajasthan implements registration and
certification of homestays under the revised and simplified Paying Guest
House (Homestay) Scheme 2021 in the State of Rajasthan including Mount
Abu.
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