The Ministry of Tourism has approved projects worth INR17.52 crore to promote tribal homestays across India, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The funding falls under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan, aimed at transforming tribal villages into sustainable tourism hubs. The initiative supports construction and renovation of homestays while strengthening community infrastructure in tribal regions.
Under PMJUGA, households are eligible for:
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INR5 lakh for village community requirements
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INR5 lakh for building two new rooms
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INR3 lakh for upgrading existing rooms
While approvals have been granted, no funds have been released yet, the Minister clarified.
In a separate update, Shekhawat said the Ministry has signed a non-commercial MoU with an entertainment services company to globally promote India’s tourism destinations through cinematic storytelling, including Gujarat’s landscapes and heritage.
He also highlighted the ongoing Incredible India 2.0 campaign, which shifts from broad promotions to thematic and experience-led marketing to draw more international tourists. The Ministry continues to push sustainable tourism, responsible travel, and MICE tourism through digital platforms and global trade events.
Additionally, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, the Centre sanctioned 40 projects worth INR3,295.76 crore across 23 states, aimed at developing iconic tourist centres to global standards.
