Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that the State government has launched an innovative Homestay Scheme in which 35 per cent subsidy would be provided by the State government in addition to the 35 per cent subsidy given by the Government of India under PMEGP.
In his Independence Day speech at Polo Ground yesterday, Sangma said a major push is being given to developing tourism infrastructure in the State.
He also said that under the scheme, the government is helping people to build 2,500 homestays in the next five years.
According to him, people would benefit from this initiative as they stand to earn up to Rs 50,000 per month and they would have to pay an Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) of only Rs 5000.
Sangma informed that through the funding provided by the government, the Mawmluh Tourism and Allied Activities Cooperative Society has set up luxury tents at Mawmluh, Sohra which has created employment opportunities for the 15 – 20 locals in the village.
“Similar initiatives are being taken up in another 25 villages to create employment and generate income in rural areas,” he said.
Sangma said tourism cooperative societies are being funded like never before to set up accommodation units in new destinations.
He also informed that two five-star hotels with a combined capacity of 380 rooms will be made operational soon in Shillong.
According to him, Crowborough Hotel managed by Taj Vivanta will be inaugurated in September while the Courtyard Hotel managed by Marriott will be inaugurated by the end of the year.
