PANAJI
The State government has notified 'Homestay and Bed and Breakfast' policy amid its proposal last month to further amend the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, introducing a new category, "Other Accommodation/Homestay/Bed and Breakfast," which had been kept open for public suggestion and/or objection for 30 days.
The notification states that the Tourism Department aims to streamline the registration and regulate the operation of homestays and B&Bs in the State, augment the supply of accommodation units to cater to the growing demand in the State, enhance livelihood opportunities, up-skill and create self-employment opportunities for rural residents and communities with high tourism potential in the hinterlands of the
State, etc.
While the policy is valid for five years, it further stated that currently the fiscal incentives will only apply to all existing or upcoming homestay and B&B establishments in Sattari, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Bicholim, Ponda, Quepem and Canacona.
The first 100 homestays and the first 100 B&B establishments, registered with the Department of Tourism, and completed one year of operations will be eligible for financial incentives. Reimbursement of the registration fee is also detailed in the policy.
Meanwhile, the government has also notified to compulsorily link Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts for the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) associated with the Griha Aadhar Scheme.
The scheme which provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible beneficiaries, saw slight modification through the order wherein the government informed about adopting the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS)/ AEPS mode for the smooth disbursement of financial aid.
As per the new regulation, effective from April 1, 2024, all disbursements under the Griha Aadhar Scheme will exclusively utilize the ABPS and bank account-based transfers will no longer be employed for disbursements after the specified date.
“Hence all the applicants/beneficiaries who have not linked their aadhaar number to their bank account number for AEPS/Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), shall get it done by approaching their respective bank branch before April 1, 2024, failing which the financial assistance shall be suspended till the linkage of Aadhaar number to the Bank Account for AEPS/DBT,” reads the notification.
The scheme implemented by the Directorate of Women & Child Development was launched around a decade ago to address the problem of spiralling prices and provide support to the housewives belonging to the middle, lower middle and poor section of society, so as to maintain a reasonable standard of living for their families.
