Patna: The Bihar government has approved the Chief Minister Homestay Promotion Scheme 2026, a new initiative designed to promote rural tourism and create income-generating opportunities in villages across the state.
Under the scheme, eligible households will be able to convert vacant rooms in their homes into registered homestays for tourists and receive government financial assistance of up to Rs 11 lakh for infrastructure development and hospitality-related facilities.
Officials said the programme is expected to strengthen local tourism ecosystems while creating self-employment opportunities, particularly for women, youth and members of self-help groups.
Assistance of Up to Rs 11 Lakh
Under the scheme, beneficiaries can register a maximum of eight rooms as homestay units. The state government will provide financial assistance of up to Rs 2.5 lakh per room for developing accommodation and related amenities.
General-category beneficiaries can receive support of up to Rs 10 lakh, which can be used for renovation, furnishing, sanitation facilities and other improvements necessary for hosting visitors.
Additional Incentives for Women and Youth
To encourage wider participation, the government has introduced special incentives for women applicants, self-help groups (SHGs) and young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 25 years.
Eligible beneficiaries in these categories will receive an additional Rs 25,000 per room, taking the total financial assistance available under the scheme to as much as Rs 11 lakh.
The government expects the provision to encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen livelihoods in rural areas.
Who Can Apply
The scheme is open to individuals planning to establish a new homestay, convert existing residential properties into tourist accommodation, or upgrade already operational homestay facilities.
Applicants will be required to submit Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank account details and land-related documents as part of the verification process.
However, regular employees of the Central Government, State Government and other permanent government personnel, including contractual government workers, will not be eligible for benefits under the scheme.
Online Registration Through Tourism Portal
The application process has been made fully online. Interested applicants can register through the Bihar Tourism Department’s official portal using their mobile number.
After completing the application form and uploading the required documents, applications will undergo scrutiny and verification before approval is granted.
Funds to Be Released in Three Instalments
The assistance amount will be disbursed in three separate instalments rather than as a lump-sum payment.
Officials said each instalment will be linked to project progress and compliance with prescribed standards to ensure quality development of homestay infrastructure and improved visitor experience.
Five-Year Operation Requirement
The scheme also includes a mandatory operational period of five years. Beneficiaries will be required to continue running their homestay facilities for at least five years after receiving assistance.
If a homestay is discontinued before the prescribed period, the government may recover the financial assistance in accordance with scheme guidelines.
The state government expects the initiative to give a major boost to rural tourism while creating sustainable income and employment opportunities in villages across Bihar.
