How to Apply Online for Odisha Homestay Scheme? Eligibility & Benefits

Odisha Homestay Scheme: Odisha government has launched the new Homestay Scheme to promote rural tourism and create local jobs. This scheme will run till financial year 2029-30, and people living in villages can convert their homes into tourist homestays with financial help from the state.

The main goal of the scheme is to increase tourism in rural and lesser-known areas, provide visitors with a real cultural experience, and generate income opportunities for local families. Around 450 new homestays with 1800 beds will be set up under this scheme, backed with a budget of ₹50 crore.

Local residents who apply and get approval will receive financial incentives up to 50% of the cost. The maximum support per homestay is ₹10 lakh, which makes it a strong step by the government to make Odisha a popular rural tourism hub.

If you are a resident of a scheduled Gram Panchayat, above 18 years of age, and have clear ownership of property or valid lease, you can apply for the scheme and start your own homestay business.

Also read: Krushak Odisha Registration

Process to Apply for Odisha Homestay Yojana

Applying for this scheme is simple but you must follow each step carefully. Here’s how you can apply:

STEP 1: Visit the official portal of Odisha Tourism Department or the Odisha One Portal. For offline applications, you can also visit your nearest Ama Seba Kendra.

STEP 2: On the homepage, under the Citizen Services, click on Homestay Scheme and then click on Apply Online option.

STEP 3: A new application form will open. Enter your personal details such as name, Aadhaar number, age, address, and upload your Aadhaar-linked bank account details.

STEP 4: Provide property details where you want to set up the homestay. Make sure to upload land ownership papers or valid lease agreement free from legal disputes.

STEP 5: Attach scanned copies of required documents like Aadhaar, bank passbook, land records, and declaration that you have no criminal conviction.

STEP 6: Submit the application online. After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment slip or reference number for tracking.

STEP 7: Your application will be reviewed by the District Homestay Committee (DHC), which will check documents, evaluate proposals, and recommend incentives.

STEP 8: Once approved, financial incentives will be released directly to your bank account for setting up the homestay.

Highlights of Odisha Homestay Yojana

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a resident of a scheduled Gram Panchayat in Odisha.
• Minimum age required is 18 years with a valid Aadhaar card.
• Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
• Should not be a government employee (state or central).
• Property must be owned or leased legally, free from disputes.
• Applicant must not have been convicted under any law.

Also Read: Odisha Ama Sathi WhatsApp Number

Financial Benefits

This scheme provides strong financial support to make homestays possible:

• Each homestay can get 50% of fixed investment as incentive.
• Incentive amount is ₹2.5 lakh per rented room, with a maximum of 4 rooms.
• Maximum incentive per homestay is ₹10 lakh.

There are reserved facilities for SC, ST, women, and Persons with Disabilities under this scheme. But, if there are not enough applications under reserved quota, remaining slots will be given to general applicants.

FAQs

Who can apply for Odisha Homestay Yojana?

Any resident of scheduled Panchayats above 18 years of age with valid Aadhaar and bank account can apply.

How much money is given under Homestay Scheme?

Up to ₹10 lakh per homestay, calculated at ₹2.5 lakh per room for a maximum of 4 rooms.

Can government employees apply for this scheme?

No, employees of state and central governments are not eligible.