Meghalaya Adventure Tourism Scheme

Description
The Meghalaya Adventure Tourism Scheme, under the Chief Minister’s CM-ELEVATE Program and implemented by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, aims to position Meghalaya as a leading eco-adventure destination. It leverages the state’s unique natural landscapes to promote sustainable tourism and generate local livelihoods. The scheme addresses barriers such as high equipment costs, limited credit, and safety gaps through 75% capital subsidies, credit linkage via partner banks, standardized training, eco-infrastructure support, and marketing assistance. Strict environmental safeguards and global safety standards are mandatory. It supports individual entrepreneurs, registered operators, and community-based groups in activities such as caving, rafting, paragliding, and more—fostering employment, community engagement, and sectoral growth.

Exclusions
• **Individuals**
• **Applications shall not be ordinarily considered for:**
• A) Pressure groups and organizations primarily political in nature
• B) More than one member from a single family
• C) Following individuals and their immediate family members (spouse, parents, children up to age 30):
• i. State and Central Government employees
• ii. Employees of public sector undertakings, their subsidiaries, or divisions
• iii. Politically affiliated individuals (MLAs, MLCs, MPs, etc.) or those seeking public office
• iv. Registered class-1 contractors
• v. Consultants currently engaged with State or Central Government
• **Registered and Unregistered**
• **Applications shall not be ordinarily considered for:**
• A) Pressure groups and organizations primarily political in nature
• B) Entities led by or involving:
• i) State and Central Government employees
• ii) Employees of public sector undertakings, subsidiaries, or divisions
• iii) Politically affiliated individuals (MLAs, MLCs, MPs, etc.)
• iv) Registered class-1 contractors
• v) Consultants currently engaged with State or Central Government
• <br>

Benefits
• 75% of total equipment cost supported (5% by entrepreneur, 75% as front-ended subsidy by Government of Meghalaya)
• Credit linkage through partnered banks (Meghalaya Rural Bank, MCAB, SBI, Shillong Co-operative Urban Bank)
• Loan of up to 20% of project cost, repayable over a 2-year term, with a 6-month moratorium
• Financial support for eco-friendly infrastructure (e.g., eco-campsites, bio-toilets, safety signage)
• Financial assistance for training and certification with national bodies (e.g., IMF, NIWS)
• Workshops on first aid, CPR, wilderness rescue, risk management, and customer service
• Marketing support via official Meghalaya Tourism channels and promotional materials
• Support in building linkages with tour operators and participation in tourism marts
• Pre-approved vendor list available, but entrepreneurs may choose other vendors within capped prices
• Mandatory environmental safeguards and compliance with national/international safety standards
• Capacity building programs and SOP development support for adventure operators

Eligibility Criteria
1. **For Individuals:**
2. The applicant must be between 18 and 58 years of age.
3. The applicant must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
4. The applicant must be involved in the tourism sector, specifically in adventure tourism (e.g., 4x4 vehicles).
5. The applicant must provide a valid government-issued ID with address (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
6. The applicant shall not be a credit defaulter with any bank.
7. The applicant must have experience as a commercial driver if applying for the 4x4 category.
8. **For Registered and Unregistered**
9. The entity must provide an Incorporation Certificate or a valid Registration Certificate, as applicable.
10. The entity must be based in Meghalaya and actively engaged in the tourism sector.
11. The entity must have an active bank account and submit the last six months’ bank statement.
12. The key office bearers (President/Secretary) must provide valid government ID proof with address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
13. The entity shall not be a credit defaulter with any bank or financial institution.
14. The entity must hold land ownership or have a lease for the project site, certified by competent authorities.
15. <br>

Application Process
Step 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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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Step 4: Fill in all the required details in the application form, upload the necessary documents, carefully review the information, and click on “Submit.”

Required Documents
• Proof of Identity (Voter ID / Passport / Driving License)
• PAN Card of Applicant
• Latest Bank Statement (Last 6 Months) / Copy of Passbook / Cancelled Cheque
• Ration Card of Applicant (if available)
• Land Documents: Ownership Deed OR Lease Agreement (If leased, must specify lease period)
• NOC from Traditional Bodies / Forest Department (if applicable)
• Site Map and Photographs of Proposed/Existing Location
• Training Certificates (if any)
• Experience Proof (e.g., photos, testimonials, previous registrations if applicable)
• Self-attested Statement on Land Availability
• Self-Declaration Certificate
• Incorporation Certificate or Registration Certificate (as applicable)
• Proof of Address of Promoters/Members/Directors/Partners (Voter ID / Passport / Driving License)
• PAN Card of the Entity
• Latest Bank Statement of the Entity (Last 6 Months) / Copy of Passbook / Cancelled Cheque
• GST Certificate (if applicable)
• Ration Card of Applicant (if applicable)
• Land Documents:
• Ownership Deed OR Lease Agreement (specifying lease period) OR NOC from Traditional Bodies / Forest Department (if applicable)
• Site Map and Photographs of Proposed/Existing Location
• Training Certificates of Key Members (if any)
• Experience Proof (photos, testimonials, annual reports, etc.)
• Identity Proofs (Aadhaar, PAN) of Key Promoters / Office Bearers / Authorized Representatives
• Resolution from Governing Body Authorizing Application Submission
• Bye-laws/Memorandum & Articles of Association/Partnership Deed (as applicable)
• List of Members/Directors/Partners with Basic Details
• Self-declaration of President/Secretary of SHG/IVCS/FPO/Others

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Meghalaya Adventure Tourism Scheme?
A: The scheme, under the CM-ELEVATE Program and implemented by the Department of Tourism, aims to develop Meghalaya as a top eco-adventure destination, promoting sustainable tourism and generating local livelihoods through activities like caving, rafting, and paragliding.
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Q: What financial support is available?
A: The scheme provides 75% subsidy on equipment costs, credit linkage through partner banks, and loans up to 20% of the project cost, repayable over 2 years with a 6-month moratorium.
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Q: Does the scheme support eco-friendly infrastructure?
A: Yes. Financial assistance is provided for eco-friendly infrastructure like eco-campsites, bio-toilets, and safety signage to promote sustainable tourism.
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Q: Is training and certification included?
A: Yes. The scheme funds training and certification with bodies like IMF and NIWS and offers workshops on first aid, CPR, rescue operations, risk management, and customer service.
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Q: How is marketing support provided?
A: Entrepreneurs receive promotion through official Meghalaya Tourism channels, promotional materials, connections with tour operators, and opportunities to participate in tourism marts.
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Q: What safety and environmental standards are required?
A: Operators must follow national and international safety standards and adhere to strict environmental safeguards for sustainable operations.
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Q: What are the criteria for individuals?
A: Applicants must be 18–58 years old, permanent residents of Meghalaya, active in adventure tourism, not be credit defaulters, provide valid ID proof, and have commercial driving experience if applying for 4x4 activities.
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Q: Which adventure activities are supported?
A: The scheme supports activities like caving, rafting, paragliding, trekking, 4x4 off-roading, and other eco-adventure tourism experiences.
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Q: How does the scheme support local communities?
A: By funding individual entrepreneurs, operators, and community groups, the scheme creates employment, skill development, and active community participation in tourism.
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