Govt to set up 500 homestays

SHILLONG, Dec 21: The state government is targeting to set up 500 homestays under the Meghalaya Home Stay Scheme that was re-launched by Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma.
Addressing the gathering after formally launching the programme, Sangma recalled that this scheme was conceputalized in 2008.
“But we could not achieve the target as expected. It is for this reason that we are re-packaging it and improving the overall accessibility at the grassroots,” Sangma said.
According to him, the govt will provide support to the tune of 50% for homestays in urban areas and 75% in the rural areas. The amount will be close to about Rs 10 lakh each,” he said.
The CM also said that one of the main components of this scheme is that the Tourism department will be providing the standard design for construction of the homestays.
“We feel that tourist look at certain aspect of tourism. We need to give a basic design to the homestays. This scheme will help to create livelihood and ensure that we are able to cater to the needs of the growing demands of tourists,” he added.
The Tourism department will provide 35% front end subsidy in addition to 35% back end subsidy under the Meghalaya Home Stay Scheme, taking the total assistance provided to 70%.