Chief Minister Omar Abdullah terms the new policy a major step toward sustainable tourism, offering financial incentives, simplified registration, and employment opportunities across rural and border areas.
SRINAGAR — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the newly notified Jammu and Kashmir Homestay Policy 2026 as a significant step toward promoting sustainable tourism, strengthening local economic activities, and generating new employment opportunities for residents across the region.
The policy was officially notified following its approval by the cabinet during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. It aims to establish a simplified and supportive framework to encourage quality accommodation facilities, particularly in rural, border, historical, and emerging tourism destinations.
Under the new framework, a streamlined registration process has been introduced for homestays, categorizing properties into silver and gold tiers based on available amenities, hygiene, and safety standards. The initiative allows local residents to host visitors in their homes, showcase the region’s cultural heritage and traditional hospitality, and generate a steady income from tourism.
Eligible properties can also be registered to provide bed-and-breakfast facilities, further expanding lodging options for tourists and creating additional revenue streams for local families.
To facilitate applicants, the administration has introduced a provision to grant provisional silver registration within 28 days of submitting a complete application, valid for a period of six months.
Financial support mechanisms are integrated into the policy. Eligible property owners can access a 35 percent subsidy under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), capped at a maximum project financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh. Qualified homestays will also benefit from domestic electricity utility rates.
Additionally, the administration plans to encourage solar energy adoption through subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, alongside facilitating access to low-interest loans through the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in accordance with relevant guidelines.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that the initiative will help decentralize tourism beyond traditional hubs, reinforce the local economy, and promote the region’s cultural assets. He noted that the policy is designed to ensure the benefits of tourism reach diverse communities and localities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration anticipates that the policy will enhance local participation in the tourism sector, diversify accommodation choices for visitors, and stimulate economic activity throughout the region.