With the ‘Navya Ayodhya’ Project of the Yogi Adityanath Government taking concrete shape the Paying Guest Scheme of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is proving a boon for the visitors to the temple town.

While making a positive contribution towards increasing individual incomes, the initiative is creating new employment opportunities. Under the scheme, 464 of the 600 applicants have been issued certificates.

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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.

The Yogi Government aims to give the Awadh 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., ensuring their reach to the visitors.

To get registered under the scheme, applicants need to furnish ownership documents, approved maps, character certificates, Aadhar card, PAN card, copy of electricity bill, photos of the house and room, and two photos. The booking of the homestays is done through the “Holy Ayodhya” app developed by the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA).

In this project, details such as the availability of homestays at various locations, the number of rooms in each homestay, available facilities, personal customization, and rental details have been outlined. Tourists and devotees can book homestays according to their preferences. The rent for these Paying Guest-based homestays is set between Rs 1500 to Rs 2500.

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 state 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 incomes.

In this regard, District Magistrate Neetish Kumar has instructed that character certificates for the operation of Paying Guest houses should be allocated by the police promptly. It is noteworthy that the state government had set a target to develop approximately 1000 homes in Ayodhya as Paying Guest houses. Consequently, applications are reaching the government, and the administration is ensuring the prompt disposal of all pending applications related to this matter.