PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Dehradun district administration has received 10 applications so far under the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Tourism Self-Employment Scheme, which aims to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship in Uttarakhand’s tourism sector.
District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) Brijender Pandey said that the applications include proposals under both vehicle and non-vehicle categories of the scheme. He said that the departmental screening committee is likely to meet by the end of June or in the first week of July to review and approve eligible applications. He said that the district had been given a target of 11 projects under the non-vehicle category and nine under the vehicle category this year.
The scheme offers financial assistance to eligible applicants looking to start tourism-related businesses. Beneficiaries in the vehicle category receive a subsidy of 25 per cent, while those applying under the non-vehicle category are eligible for a subsidy of 33 per cent. Pandey said that the projects up to a maximum cost of Rs one crore can be covered under the scheme.
The initiative supports a range of tourism-linked ventures, including transport services, homestays, camping facilities, adventure tourism and other self-employment activities connected to the tourism industry. He added that the scheme has helped encourage local entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities, particularly in mountainous and tourism-dependent regions.
Pandey also said that women entrepreneurs have shown interest in the scheme this year. So far, two applications from women have been received.
