Centre Pumps in ₹125.65 Cr to Link Tripura Tribals with Tourism – Homestays, Eco-Circuits, Heritage Projects on Cards
In a major push to integrate Tripura’s tribal communities with the tourism economy, the Central Government has spent ₹125.65 crore on a series of projects aimed at grassroots development, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The announcement came in response to a question from East Tripura MP Kriti Singh Debbarma, who sought details on the Centre’s roadmap to involve tribal communities in eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, and heritage-based ventures. She also asked how the government plans to ensure that benefits of tourism trickle down to the lowest rung through homestays, local guide services, and handicraft promotion.
Funds Flow into Tribal Circuits
Shekhawat, in his written reply, said that tourism development is primarily undertaken by state governments and UT administrations, but the Union Tourism Ministry plays a complementary role by financing projects under central schemes like Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD), PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) and Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA).
For Tripura, the Centre has sanctioned projects worth ₹82.85 crore under the North-East Circuit in 2015–16 and ₹44.83 crore in 2018–19, covering a wide range of tourist destinations—from Agartala, Udaipur, Dumboor, and Gandachhara to Unakoti, Jampui Hills, Neermahal, Pilak, and Boxanagar. According to the ministry, all these projects stand completed.
“These projects are not only about building roads or improving facilities—they are about giving tribal heritage, eco-tourism, and local livelihoods a direct platform within India’s booming tourism economy,” the minister stressed.
Targeted Investment in Tribal Areas
The ministry disclosed that, under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, ₹103 crore was dedicated exclusively for tribal-dominated regions—₹88 crore through the Tribal Area Sub-Plan and ₹15 crore under the PM-Janajatiya Unnayan Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA).
“This focused expenditure ensures that Scheduled Tribe-dominated areas benefit not just from cultural preservation but also from new livelihood avenues and sustainable tourism growth,” Shekhawat said.
The projects under the “Tribal Circuit” theme were designed to enhance the visibility of tribal culture while embedding tribal communities into the tourism value chain—allowing them to benefit from employment as guides, homestay operators, artisans, and service providers.
Homestays: 1,000 Units Planned, Funds Yet to Flow
One of the flagship livelihood initiatives is the development of 1,000 homestays in tribal regions under PM-JUGA. Families will be eligible for ₹5 lakh to build homestays, another ₹5 lakh for constructing two new rooms, and ₹3 lakh for renovating existing rooms. The scheme also promises technical training and skill upgradation for homestay owners.
However, Shekhawat admitted that no funds have yet been released under the PM-JUGA homestay initiative.
Training and Skill Development
To prepare youth from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for tourism-linked jobs, the Centre runs the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) certification program—a digital platform offering training in heritage guiding, adventure tourism, language skills, and refresher courses. SC and ST candidates are exempted from fees under this program.
“This will help build a professional pool of guides and facilitators, ensuring communities themselves become stakeholders in tourism,” the minister said.
Beyond Infrastructure – Cultural Festivals and Handicrafts
Apart from circuits and infrastructure, the ministry has extended support for fairs and festivals in Tripura over the past five years, under the DPPH project. It also assists state governments in promoting local handicrafts, cultural events, and eco-tourism fairs—ensuring that income opportunities are not restricted to big players but reach artisans and performers at the grassroots.
The Centre also leverages exhibitions, social media, Incredible India campaigns, and global roadshows to promote tourism destinations across the Northeast, including Tripura.
Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Livelihoods
Debbarma’s question had specifically sought clarity on whether tourism was being positioned as a “driver of local economic development and sustainable livelihoods” for Tripura’s tribal communities. Shekhawat responded that the central schemes were designed with precisely this vision—ensuring that eco-tourism and cultural heritage projects are not extractive but inclusive, community-owned, and income-generating.
“By investing in tribal heritage and eco-tourism circuits, we are ensuring that communities are not left behind but instead become equal participants in the growth story,” the minister added.
The Larger Picture
Launched in 2014–15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme had identified 15 thematic circuits—including Tribal, Eco-Tourism, and Wildlife—for integrated development. Tripura, with its rich tribal heritage and natural beauty, has been one of the early beneficiaries.
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Experts believe that while allocations are significant, the true challenge lies in ensuring timely fund release, capacity-building at the community level, and strong monitoring so that projects do not remain infrastructure-heavy but deliver lasting socio-economic benefits.
For now, the Centre’s ₹125.65 crore injection marks an important recognition: tourism in Tripura is not just about visitors, but about tribal communities finding sustainable livelihoods through culture, nature, and hospitality.
