ITANAGAR, Jan 22 - Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today stated that the Taj Group, through its sister organisation, �Ama Trails and Stays�, has agreed �in principle� to help the State in establishing homestays. He added that representatives of the Taj Group are expected to visit Arunachal Pradesh soon. He suggested their meeting with progressive homestay owners of the State to chalk out a way forward.
�Since government jobs are limited, not all youths can fit into them. The only option is self-employment and tourism is one of the best choices. In this sector, the sky is the limit for a State like ours,� Khandu said while distributing point-of-sale (POS) machines to beneficiaries of the Chief Minister�s Paryatan Vikas Yojana (CMPVY), especially those running homestays in the State.
The occasion also marked the launch of POS facilities being offered by the State-owned Cooperative Apex Bank to its customers across the State.
The CMPVY is a major flagship programme of the State Government, implemented by the Department of Tourism through the Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. So far, more than 270 unemployed youths have availed of this scheme that provides a subsidy up to Rs 5 lakh to open a restaurant, run a tour operator agency, establish hotels, homestays, purchase adventure equipment, etc.
As majority of the beneficiaries � about 100 � have availed of the scheme to run homestays, POS machines were provided to nine homestay owners and one adventure and sports equipment showroom owner to mark the launch of the facility today.
Appreciating Apex Bank for the initiative, Khandu said ease of payment is one of the most sought-after facilities by tourists coming from far and wide to visit Arunachal Pradesh.
�As tourism is the future of Arunachal Pradesh, introduction of the POS facility in homestays is timely. Tourists, especially from outside the country, hardly carry cash with them. Hence, cashless payment at hotels, homestays and transportation through credit or debit cards are of utmost importance,� Khandu stressed.
Khandu urged the Apex Bank to take into its fold various other State Government flagship programs for implementation like the CMPVY. He asked the bank authorities to come up with proposals so that the Government could include them in the upcoming State Budget.
Also present on the occasion were Secretary of Cooperation Onit Panyang, Secretary of Tourism Sadhna Deori, Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister Kangki Darrang and officers of the Apex Bank.