Chief Minister's Meghalaya Homestay Mission Scheme

Description
The Chief Minister& 39;s Meghalaya Homestay Mission Scheme, launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, is aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and promoting community-led hospitality. The scheme focuses on developing new homestays and upgrading existing ones to enhance Meghalaya’s position as a leading eco-tourism destination while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Up to 70% of the project cost supported
• Enhanced subsidy of up to 80% (₹8 lakhs) for Persons with Disability (PwD) applicants
• ₹50,000 grant per room (up to ₹2 lakhs) for upgradation of existing homestays
• Credit linkage through partner banks (Meghalaya Rural Bank and others notified)
• Collateral-free loans with 1-year moratorium: subsidy disbursed as EMI support over 24 months
• Design and architectural support provided by empanelled firms (cost borne by Department of Tourism)
• Capacity building and training programs on hospitality, housekeeping, culinary skills, and marketing, conducted by the Tourism Department and partners (MSSDS, IHM Shillong, FCI Tura)
• Exposure visits for high-performing beneficiaries to learn best practices
• Mandatory furnishing and solar panel support (₹1 lakh allocation per homestay included in project cost)
• Integration with digital platforms (M-TIME portal, Meghalaya Tourist App) for booking, branding and performance tracking.

Eligibility Criteria
1. **Development of New Homestays**
2. The applicant must provide proof of land ownership or a registered lease agreement for a minimum period of 7 years.
3. The applicant must select one homestay design from the 33 standard designs prepared by the Department of Tourism.
4. **Upgradation of Existing Homestays**
5. The applicant must provide proof of homestay operations for at least 6 months.
6. The applicant must ensure that the guest register shows a minimum of 50 bed nights.
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Application Process
Step 1: Citizen Registration for Member ID
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Citizen Registration for Member ID

Step 2: Step 1: Visit the official website of the scheme and click on the “Login to Apply” button to start the application process. Carefully read all the instructions provided on the website before proceeding.
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Step 1: Visit the official website of the scheme and click on the “Login to Apply” button to start the application process. Carefully read all the instructions provided on the website before proceeding.

Step 3: Step 2: If you are a first-time user, click on “Registration for New User” and complete the registration process to create your account.
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Step 2: If you are a first-time user, click on “Registration for New User” and complete the registration process to create your account.

Step 4: Step 3: Select your Authentication ID from the available options, such as
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PDS (Ration Card)
Election Photo ID Card (EPIC).

Step 5: Step 4: Enter your card number, select your name from the displayed list, and click on “Next” to continue.
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Step 4: Enter your card number, select your name from the displayed list, and click on “Next” to continue.

Step 6: Step 5: Your EPIC ID will appear on the screen. If the details are correct, click on “Accept.” If the details are incorrect or rejected, manually enter your EPIC number and proceed.
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Step 5: Your EPIC ID will appear on the screen. If the details are correct, click on “Accept.” If the details are incorrect or rejected, manually enter your EPIC number and proceed.

Step 7: Step 6: Click on “Validate” to verify the entered EPIC number, and then click on “Next” to move to the application form.
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Step 6: Click on “Validate” to verify the entered EPIC number, and then click on “Next” to move to the application form.

Step 8: Step 7: Fill in all required details in the application form, upload the necessary documents, carefully review all the information, and click on “Submit.” After successful submission, you will receive a unique application number for future reference.
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Sign In

Step 9: Step 1: Click on “Sign In” and choose your preferred sign-in method from Mobile Number, PDS, EPIC, or Member ID.
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Step 1: Click on “Sign In” and choose your preferred sign-in method from Mobile Number, PDS, EPIC, or Member ID.

Step 10: Step 2: Enter your User ID and Password, then click on “Login” to access your account.
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Step 2: Enter your User ID and Password, then click on “Login” to access your account.

Step 11: Step 3: After logging in, click on “Apply for Services/Scheme” to start your application.
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Step 3: After logging in, click on “Apply for Services/Scheme” to start your application.

Step 12: Step 4: Fill in all the required details in the application form, upload the necessary documents, carefully review the information, and click on “Submit.”
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Screening: Applications will be verified and shortlisted based on eligibility and documentation by the District Tourism Officer (DTO) and partner bank, followed by scrutiny by the State Level Screening Committee (SLSC), comprising representatives from the Department of Tourism, DTOs, and partner banks.
Site Visit & Evaluation: For new homestays, feasibility of location and conformity with scheme norms will be assessed through joint site inspections by the DTO and bank representatives. For upgradation cases, physical inspections and validation through the M-TIME portal will be conducted.
Final Approval: The Sanctioning Committee headed by the Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Tourism, grants final approvals based on SLSC recommendations. Approval/sanction letters are then issued to selected applicant.

Required Documents
• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or PAN Card)
• Highest educational qualification certificate
• Certificate of Disability (if applying under PwD category)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities for homestay development
• Any additional documents required by the concerned Department or partner bank
• Proof of Identity (Passport/Voter ID/Driving License)
• Land Certificate/Rent Agreement
• Photographs or Site Sketches
• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or PAN Card)
• Proof of registration and active usage of Meghalaya M-TIME Portal
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities for homestay operations
• Detailed list of proposed upgradation works with cost estimates and vendor quotations
• Proof of Identity (Passport/Voter ID/Driving License)
• Land Certificate/Rent Agreement
• NOC for operations of Homestay (if available)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main objective of the scheme?
A: The scheme focuses on enhancing Meghalaya’s eco-tourism potential, encouraging community-led hospitality, and improving the quality and standards of homestay accommodations.
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Q: Who can apply under this scheme?
A: Eligible residents of Meghalaya who meet the required criteria for land ownership/lease (for new homestays) or operational proof (for existing homestays) can apply under the scheme.
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Q: What financial support is provided for new homestays?
A: Up to 70% of the total project cost is supported under the scheme, subject to prescribed limits and guidelines.
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Q: What benefits are available for Persons with Disability (PwD)?
A: PwD applicants are eligible for an enhanced subsidy of up to 80% of the project cost, capped at ₹8 lakhs.
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Q: What support is available for upgradation of existing homestays?
A: A grant of ₹50,000 per room is provided for upgradation, up to a maximum of ₹2 lakhs.
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Q: Are loans provided under the scheme?
A: Yes, credit linkage is available through partner banks such as Meghalaya Rural Bank and other notified banks, with collateral-free loans.
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Q: Is design support provided for new homestays?
A: Yes, applicants must choose from 33 standard homestay designs prepared by the Department of Tourism, and design/architectural support is provided by empanelled firms at no cost to the beneficiary.
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Q: Is furnishing support included?
A: Yes, mandatory furnishing and solar panel support worth ₹1 lakh per homestay is included in the overall project cost.
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Q: What documents are required for developing a new homestay?
A: Proof of land ownership or a registered lease agreement for a minimum of 7 years is required.
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Q: What are the eligibility criteria for upgrading an existing homestay?
A: The homestay must have been operational for at least 6 months.
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Q: Is there a minimum occupancy requirement for upgradation?
A: Yes, the guest register must show a minimum of 50 bed nights.
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Q: How does the scheme promote eco-tourism?
A: By supporting sustainable construction designs, solar energy usage, and community participation, the scheme enhances environmentally responsible tourism.
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