Friday, September 20, 2024 Explore India’s tribal regions like never before! Exciting initiatives are set to open homestays, sharing unique cultures while empowering local communities. Get ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of India’s tribal regions! Exciting initiatives are underway to encourage tribal communities to open their homes to tourists, providing a unique opportunity to share their rich heritage with visitors. This initiative promises to offer an authentic experience while fostering connections between travelers and tribal cultures.
To kick off this remarkable project, the Union Tourism Ministry plans to promote 1,000 homestays across tourism-potential villages in tribal areas, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The primary goal is not only to preserve the rich traditions of these communities but also to enhance their incomes. This effort aims to empower tribal populations economically and promote sustainable development within these regions.
Under the Swadesh Darshan program, the Union Tourism Ministry will provide funding for the construction of 5 to 10 homestays in each selected tribal village. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, which recently received clearance from the Union Cabinet. With an impressive total outlay of ₹79,156 crore, the program aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities, targeting approximately 5 crore individuals across 63,000 villages.
The mission encompasses 25 interventions to be implemented by 17 different ministries, each responsible for executing specific schemes within a five-year timeframe. This collaborative approach ensures that funds allocated under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) are effectively utilized, aiming for saturation coverage in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts throughout the country. As these plans unfold, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) is already making strides.
Many tribal families in the state have begun welcoming visitors into their homes as part of the MPTB’s homestay project, with over 64 new homestays established across 28 villages. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable and enriching environment for both visitors and tribal hosts, ensuring a mutually beneficial experience..
