PANAJI
Three rural women entrepreneurs will receive grants of Rs 2 lakh each under the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast scheme in three days, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced at a state programme on Saturday.
The initiative, part of the Goa Beyond Beaches campaign, aims to promote hinterland tourism and empower local communities. A total of 100 rural women beneficiaries will avail the benefits.
"A key step under this initiative is the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, under which a grant of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to 100 women beneficiaries. Homestays don’t just support a home but they uplift entire communities,” he said.
The program organised by Departments of Tourism and Information Technology, Electronics and Communications was a part of the nationwide Seva Pakhwada campaign.
“Across India, this campaign is bringing people together ” from health camps to cleanliness drives, from awareness programmes to livelihood initiatives-- all with one goal, Seva, service before self,” Khaunte told the gathering.
Over 30 women were felicitated, including Drone Didis, Lakhpati Didis, SHG leaders and women startup entrepreneurs, along with outstanding lifeguards. The event also featured a drone demonstration by Drone Didis and a presentation on cybersecurity, highlighting the State’s thrust on digital literacy and technology-driven empowerment.
