New Year bounty for homestay owners of Darjeeling

EOI, DARJEELING, DECEMBER 31, 2024 :  With the objective of empowering the rural populace and providing them with economic opportunities, the West Bengal Government, in collaboration with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, on Wednesday distributed grants and registrations to homestay owners located in the Darjeeling district. The West Bengal government sanctioned Rs 50,000 each, as the first installment, to 48 new homestay owners. Similarly, the second installment of Rs 50,000 each was released to 247 old homestay owners. In total, Rs 1.73 crore was released and credited directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.

"Our focus is to empower the rural people and provide economic opportunities. Today, we distributed the first installment to 48 new homestay owners and the second installment to 299 owners. We also provided registration certificates to some homestays," Darjeeling District Magistrate Preeti Goyel said.

In the district of Darjeeling, there are 387 registered homestays, while some 60 new homestays are under inspection. A field report will be prepared soon for them to be registered.

"The Government provided Rs 1 lakh as a financial grant to a person to start operating a homestay. Any person can apply to operate a homestay with a minimum of one room and a maximum of six rooms," said Goyel.

Those who have not been registered can operate a homestay with a trade license. "Government registration is beneficial even though one can operate on a trade license. If registered, a homestay owner will be eligible for government funds. Also, tourists feel safer and more secure to stay in a homestay that is registered with the government," the Darjeeling District Magistrate said.

"The West Bengal government has revised its homestay policies. Now the State Government collaborates with the GTA in the tourism sector, including homestays," Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha said. The SDO said tourism was a prime earning sector, which includes the transport sector, with homestays being a major contributor.

"Homestays are endearing and provide a great experience to visitors who can cherish their stay. One can experience vast landscapes, including tea gardens, orange orchards, and hiking trails, among others," said Lepcha.

Vikram Rai, a homestay owner from Sittong GP under the Kurseong sub-division and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the State Government and the GTA but urged the grant of land ownership for better functioning.

"Our biggest problem is land ownership. Over 75 percent of stakeholders are not getting registration because of ownership issues. We urge the West Bengal government and the GTA to take appropriate measures to help us. We express our gratitude and thank the government for providing us grants, which give us the energy to work hard," he said.