TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 11 NOVEMBER 2025
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Bhubaneswar office, organized a Workshop on MUDRA Loan for Homestay/B & B Establishment on 10.11.2025 in Konark, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.
The workshop was a key initiative to promote entrepreneurship and boost the local tourism economy by facilitating financial support for small-scale accommodation businesses in the region.
Key Focus and Discussion Points
The primary focus of the workshop was to educate existing and prospective homestay/Bed & Breakfast (B&B) operators about the benefits and application process of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), specifically for the tourism sector.
Discussions Centered on:
- MUDRA Loan Categories: Explaining the three main loan categories under PMMY—Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishore (₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh)—and which category is most suitable for different stages of homestay businesses (starting, expanding, or established).
- Eligibility and Documentation: Providing detailed information on the eligibility criteria for homestay owners and the required documents for a loan application to ensure a smooth process.
- Financial Inclusion: Emphasizing how the collateral-free MUDRA loans can help grassroots entrepreneurs, especially women and those in rural areas, to establish or upgrade their accommodation units, thereby contributing to job creation and inclusive growth.
- Promoting Standardized Homestays: Guidance on adhering to the Common National Standards and Guidelines for the classification of Incredible India B&B and Homestay Establishments issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Synergy with Local Tourism: Stressing the importance of homestays in meeting the rising demand for affordable, unique, and immersive accommodation experiences, especially near major tourist attractions like the Konark Sun Temple.
Prominent Guests and their Contributions
The workshop featured participation from several prominent guests who provided crucial insights:
- Ms. Rashmi Sonia Tirkey, Asst. Director, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India: Provided the official context for the initiative, highlighting the government’s commitment (especially after its inclusion in the Union Budget) to supporting the homestay segment and rural tourism as a driver of economic growth.
- Mr. Kishore Maharana, Branch Manager, UCO Bank, Konark: Offered practical banking perspectives, detailing the loan application process, required paperwork, and how local entrepreneurs can effectively interface with the bank to avail the MUDRA loan efficiently.
- Ms. Minati Sahu, MD, Hotel Mahalaxmi Palace, Konark: Shared her industry experience and local perspective, potentially advising homestay operators on maintaining hospitality standards, attracting tourists, and ensuring their business is sustainable and successful in the competitive Konark market.
- Mrs. Ramamani Sahu, President, Mahila Mahasnagha represented community perspectives, encouraging women entrepreneurs to leverage MUDRA loans for economic empowerment and assured community support.
- Ms. Anusaya Routray, Bank Mitra, UCO Bank, explained the grassroots application support available, detailing the role of a Bank Mitra in assisting applicants with documentation and simplifying the initial loan process.
- Shri Jagannath Behera, Tourist Information Officer, provided an overview of tourist trends in Konark and how classified homestays can be officially promoted to visitors, linking the beneficiaries to the tourism ecosystem.
The workshop served as a vital bridge, connecting government policy (MUDRA loans) with financial institutions (UCO Bank) and local tourism entrepreneurs (homestay/B&B operators) to successfully implement the scheme at the grassroots level in the Konark region.
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