Lok Sabha Question No. 2115 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Arun Bharti

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2115

## ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

## NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR PROMOTION OF RURAL HOMESTAYS

## 2115 SHRI ARUN BHARTI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  objectives  and  budget  allocation  for  the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays particularly in the Bihar State;
- (b) the  data  on  total  number  of  rural  homestays  that  have  been developed under this strategy in the past;
- (c) the details of the impact on rural tourism and local economies that  has  been  observed  due  to  this  strategy,  supported  by relevant data; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  planned  to  launch  any  scheme for the benefits of local rural cafés and the measures taken by the Government to develop rural tourism in Jamui Parliamentary constituency in the State of Bihar?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a): The objectives of the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays are as follows:
- i. To cater to the increasing needs of visitors for experiential tourism.
- To  create  entrepreneurial  and  job  opportunities  in  rural
- ii. areas.
- iii. To promote sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism through the promotion of rural homestays.
- To promote rural art and craft, culture, eco-tourism and
- iv. other forms of nature tourism.

The expenditure for activities pertaining to the National Strategy for Promotion  of  Rural  Homestays  is  met  from  the  existing  budget/ schemes of the Ministry. No separate funds have been allocated for the same. (b) to (d): Ministry of Tourism has identified Rural Circuit as one of the  thematic  circuits  under  its  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme.  The projects/proposals for development of tourism related infrastructure, including rural tourism, are identified for development under the circuit as per guidelines in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations. The details of projects sanctioned by the Ministry in the State of Bihar under Rural Circuit of this scheme are given at Annexure. The Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through various initiatives. As part of on-going activities; promotion of Rural homestays  and  Rural  Tourism  is  also  taken  up.  The  Ministry  of Tourism  also  regularly  promotes  various  tourism  destinations  and products  of  rural  tourism  through  its  website  and  social  media promotions.

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ANNEXURE

STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  OF  PARTS  (b)  TO  (d)  OF  LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2115 ANWERED ON 05.08.2024 REGARDING  NATIONAL  STRATEGY  FOR  PROMOTION  OF  RURAL HOMESTAYS BY SHRI ARUN BHARTI.

PROJECTS  SANCTIONED  UNDER  RURAL  CIRCUIT  OF  SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME FOR THE STATE OF BIHAR

(Amount in Rs. crore)

| Name of State   | Year       | Project Name                                                     |   Amount Sanctioned |   Amount Released | Physical Status   |
|-----------------|------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Bihar           | (2017- 18) | Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia- Turkaulia |               44.27 |             40.31 | Complete          |

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