The ‘Navya Ayodhya’ project of the Yogi government is now taking concrete shape, with one of the schemes by the Tourism department - the Paying Guest Scheme - proving to be a boon for both visitors and locals.
While this initiative is making a positive contribution towards creating new employment opportunities.
Through this project, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism department aims to introduce the flavours of Awadh’s cuisine to saints and guests from India and abroad, giving them a new culinary experience. Additionally, emphasis is being placed on serving millet-based dishes at homestays during the International Millets Year celebrations.
The Paying Guest Scheme is not only ensuring optimal arrangement for travellers, devotees, and tourists but is also generating extensive employment opportunities in Ayodhya. Under this scheme, 600 people have applied and 464 individuals have been issued certificates.
The Yogi government aims to give the Awadhi cuisine a new identity both nationally and internationally. The objective is to globally showcase the local grains through the Awadh thali. This thali will feature dishes such as matar ka nimona, rice, fara, moong, besan, masoor dal and many more. Additionally, priority is given to serving various dishes made from millets like bajra, jowar, kodo, ragi, etc.
To get registered under the scheme, applicants need to furnish ownership documents, approved maps, character certificates, Aadhar card, PAN card, copy of electricity bill and photos of the house or room. The booking of the homestays is done through the ‘Holy Ayodhya’ app developed by the Ayodhya Development Authority.
The app provides all the details such as the availability of homestays at various locations, the number of rooms in each homestay, available facilities, personal customisation, and rental details. Tourists and devotees can book homestays according to their preferences. The rent for these paying guest-based homestays has been fixed between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.
In the form of these paying guest-based homestays, a new avenue for employment creation has been developed in Ayodhya. Through the operation of these homestays, locals in and around the area are also getting various types of employment opportunities.
Under the guidance of the Yogi government, the district administration, the Ayodhya Development Authority, and the Tourism department are actively implementing the Paying Guest Scheme. This initiative is instrumental in not only developing the tourism environment in Ayodhya but also serving as a means to promote self-employment and increase individual’s income.
District Magistrate Neetish Kumar has instructed the police to promptly issue the character certificates for the operation of Paying Guest houses. It is noteworthy that the state government had set a target to develop approximately 1,000 homes in Ayodhya as Paying Guest houses.
