Agartala, Feb 16: The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has initiated its first structured push toward developing community-managed homestays by deputing a team of nine Block Development Officers to Himachal Pradesh to study established rural tourism models.
During the exposure visit, the officers toured Khushboo Homestay, operated by Self-Help Group member Dhani Devi, and held discussions with members of the Shiv Shakti SHG under Gram Panchayat Shaleen in Village Brod, Block Naggar of Kullu district. The team examined key aspects of rural hospitality, including infrastructure planning, service standards, hygiene practices, revenue models and the role of SHGs in managing and sustaining tourism ventures. Officials said the objective was to understand how community-led homestays can ensure consistent income generation while maintaining quality and operational standards.
The initiative comes as TRLM prepares to expand similar interventions across prominent tourist destinations in Tripura. Locations identified for potential rollout include Jampui Hills, Unakoti, Dumbur Lake, Chabimura, Kalajhari Hills, Matabari, Manu Bankul and Sepahijala, which authorities believe hold strong potential for decentralised tourism infrastructure managed by local communities.
For the 2026–27 financial year, a proposal exceeding Rs 70 crore has been submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development to strengthen livelihood infrastructure. The proposed allocation is expected to support the creation of community-managed tourist facilities, with homestays forming a key component of the strategy.
Officials said the programme is designed to widen income opportunities for rural households, particularly women associated with Self-Help Groups, while promoting Tripura as an eco-sensitive and culturally unique tourism destination. TRLM is expected to draw up a detailed roadmap in the coming months based on insights gained from the Himachal Pradesh model.
