- 30 homestays to be developed across 6 tribal villages in the Bagicha-Mayali-Jashpur region; local families to gain direct employment and new income opportunities through tourism
- Integrating tribal culture and local livelihoods with tourism is the government’s priority: Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal
A significant initiative has been launched to elevate tribal tourism in Chhattisgarh and link the rural economy with the tourism sector. A cluster-based homestay project has been approved for the Bagicha-Mayali-Jashpur cluster in Jashpur district under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA). Through this project, efforts will be made to develop tourism potential in tribal villages while directly involving local families in tourism-related activities.
Under the project, a total of 30 new homestays will be developed across six tribal villages: Kinkel, Kamtara, Dangri, Mahanai, Sarudhap, and Pandrapath. The proposal entails setting up five homestays in each village. An expenditure of approximately ₹1.80 crore is proposed for the development of this cluster. The plan includes provisions for constructing homestays as well as developing essential community facilities at the village level.
- Tourists will not just see Jashpur; they will experience life here
Moving beyond traditional hotel-based tourism, this project will promote community-based tourism. Through homestays, tourists will have the opportunity to stay with local families and gain a close-up experience of Jashpur’s tribal culture, cuisine, folk traditions, natural beauty, and rural lifestyle. This ensures that the income generated from tourism directly benefits local families. The rural economy will also be strengthened by the creation of local employment and self-employment opportunities.
The proposed homestays will be developed with a focus on the local setting and tourist amenities. Additionally, works worth up to ₹5 lakh per village have been proposed to create community-level amenities. These facilities will not only enhance the tourist experience but also develop basic infrastructure for collective use within the villages.
- Homestay Cluster to Link with Natural and Cultural Tourism Sites
The cluster has been selected based on the region’s tourism potential. The proposed villages are situated near several natural and cultural tourism sites, including Bagicha and Jashpur Nagar, as well as Kailash Cave, Khudiyarani Cave, Badalkhol Sanctuary, Ranidah Waterfall, Deshdekha Hill, and Loroghat. Developing homestay facilities will provide tourists with better accommodation options in these areas. This is likely to extend the duration of tourists’ stays in Jashpur and ensure that the benefits of tourism activities reach the local level extensively.
- Employment Opportunities to Expand: From Guiding to Local Cuisine and Handicrafts
The impact of the homestay cluster will not be limited to accommodation alone. The project will create opportunities to engage local youth and women in hospitality services, local cuisine, tourist guiding, transportation, handicrafts, and other tourism-related services. An increase in tourist numbers could also boost the demand for local products, traditional food, and handicrafts. Thus, tourism activities will generate various ancillary employment and income opportunities within the villages.
- Integrating Tribal Culture and Local Livelihoods with Tourism is the Government’s Priority: Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal
Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal stated that Chhattisgarh’s tribal and rural culture forms the state’s unique identity. He emphasized that the government aims to preserve this heritage while ensuring that local communities derive direct economic benefits from tourism.
He noted that Jashpur is a region rich in natural beauty, vibrant tribal culture, and distinctive folk traditions. Approved under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan’, this cluster homestay project represents a significant step towards bringing tourism to the villages and connecting local families with its economic benefits. Our goal is for tourists visiting Jashpur to experience not only the natural beauty of the region but also its tribal life, culture, and traditions up close.
Minister Mr. Agrawal stated that providing opportunities to local youth and women in various tourism-related activities would open up new avenues for employment. He remarked that a tourism model developed with the participation of the local community would not only strengthen the rural economy but also play a pivotal role in showcasing Jashpur’s cultural identity to the rest of the country and the world.
- Ensuring tourism benefits reach villages and local families – Saumil Ranjan Chaubey
Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, stated that the benefits of tourism should not be confined to major tourist destinations or the hotel industry; instead, villages and local families should be made direct participants. He noted that this homestay cluster in Jashpur would serve as a model integrating local culture, nature, and livelihoods. This initiative will offer tourists an authentic Chhattisgarhi experience while creating new, sustainable income opportunities for tribal families.
- Steps towards making Jashpur a major hub for tribal and rural tourism
Through the cluster homestay project, tourism in Jashpur is expected to expand beyond major tourist sites into the surrounding villages. This will allow tourists to experience local life and….will become an active part of the community tourism value chain.
By integrating natural beauty, tribal culture, local cuisine, handicrafts, and rural life, this initiative will prove to be a significant step towards establishing Jashpur as a premier tribal and rural tourism destination in Chhattisgarh.