Training programme and financial assistance for Darjeeling and Kurseong homestay owners

Darjeeling: The state government is promoting homestays as an alternate source of livelihood.

A skill development training programme for homestay owners was flagged off in Darjeeling and Kurseong on Monday.

"The whole country is reeling under acute unemployment. Tourism has an immense potential to provide direct and indirect employment. Homestay is an important part to play as an alternative livelihood. The state government is providing all necessary help to homestays along with financial assistance also," stated Goutam Deb, Tourism Minister.

In the first phase, training is being imparted by the technical education department of the West Bengal Government to 280 homestay owners of the Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Dooars. The training camps are being held in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Algarah and Malbazar in the first phase.

In the second phase, 400 more homestay owners will be trained.

The registration process for the homestays have also been initiated. The district administration in charge of the registration process. After the registration the homestays will be entitled to receive financial assistance of Rs 1,50,000 in three installments on being recommended by the district magistrate.

Already 110 homestays of Algarah, Kalimpong while 37 from other areas of Kalimpong district and 201 of the Darjeeling district have applied for registration.

Training will be imparted on uniformity of standard services and also on marketing. "The homestays will have to emphasise on hygiene, clean and safe drinking water, plastic free green zones, internet facilities and sustainable development of the spots. Later, we will also provide mountaineering and trekking training to the owners through the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute," stated Minister Deb.

Hands on training will be provided to the owners at the tourist lodges run by the Government.

"This model will be replicated in South Bengal also," added Goutam Deb.

Surendra Gupta, principal secretary, GTA who was also present stated that the GTA will extend all necessary help and cooperation to homestays in the GTA area.

A book "Trails of Discovery" Bengal Trek Routes, Chapter 1 was also released on Monday by the tourism minister. The illustrated book contains information on 87 trek routes of the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. A similar book will also be published on trek routes of South Bengal.

"It is a well-researched book and took more than two years to come out with. These trekking routes can be promoted and will provide important activity for tourists visiting these localities," add the minister.

Anjan Guha, divisional forest officer, Parks and Gardens stated: "Most of these trek routes run through the forests. The homestay owners and travel agencies while promoting these trek routes

should always make their clients aware that the forests need to be preserved, water should not be wasted and plastic products should not be used in the forests. Forests call for responsible behavior."

The state government will be promoting the registered homestays through the tourism department and district websites along with promoting them in tourism marts and festivals.