Patna: In a major push to promote tourism and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, the Bihar government has launched the Chief Minister Homestay Promotion Scheme. Under the initiative, 34 prominent tourist destinations across 16 districts have been identified for the development of homestay facilities, with Nalanda district receiving the highest share by securing six key tourism sites.
The scheme aims to provide visitors with an authentic experience of Bihar’s rural culture, hospitality, cuisine, and traditions, while creating new income opportunities for residents living near popular tourist attractions.
The six selected destinations in Nalanda include the ancient ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara, the Jal Mandir at Pawapuri, the Rajgir Ropeway, Rajgir Zoo Safari, Nature Safari, and the world-famous hot springs at Rajgir. Homestay facilities will be developed in residential properties located around these attractions, offering tourists an alternative to conventional hotel accommodation.
Financial Assistance for Homestay Operators
To encourage participation, the state government has introduced financial incentives under the scheme. Individuals can establish a homestay within a 5-kilometre radius of a designated tourist destination.
Each homestay unit can have up to eight rooms, with the government providing financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh per room, subject to a maximum grant of Rs 10 lakh per unit.
The scheme also includes additional incentives to promote entrepreneurship among women and youth. Women entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 25 years will receive an additional incentive of Rs 25,000 per room.
Boost to Local Economy and Tourism
The Tourism Department has set a target of registering 1,000 homestay rooms across Bihar over the next five years. Officials believe the initiative will not only expand accommodation options for visitors but also strengthen local businesses, including handicrafts, traditional food, transport services, and other tourism-related enterprises.
With internationally renowned destinations such as Rajgir and Pawapuri included in the programme, the scheme is expected to increase household incomes, create self-employment opportunities, and contribute to reducing unemployment in tourism-dependent regions of the state.
