Jammu Kashmir Govt Notifies Homestay Policy 2026 After Cabinet Approval

Jammu Kashmir Govt Notifies Homestay Policy 2026 After Cabinet Approval

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the Homestay Policy 2026, providing for simplified registration, financial assistance and residential utility tariffs to encourage local households to offer tourist accommodation and expand tourism to rural, border, heritage and emerging destinations.

The policy, approved by the Council of Ministers, aims to increase lodging capacity, generate livelihood opportunities and extend the economic benefits of tourism beyond established tourist centres across the Union Territory.

Under the policy’s operational framework, property owners must reside at the premises and can offer between one and eight guest rooms to tourists. Homestays will be classified into Silver and Gold categories based on facilities, hygiene and safety standards.

The policy also provides for provisional Silver registration within 28 days of the submission of a complete application. The provisional registration will remain valid for up to six months.

Financial assistance and utility tariffs

The policy outlines a subsidy of up to 35 per cent under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), with the maximum project funding limit set at Rs 20 lakh. The assistance is intended to support eligible applicants in establishing or developing homestay facilities, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.

Homestay operators will also be eligible to pay electricity and water charges at residential rates rather than commercial tariffs, according to the policy details.

For households seeking to adopt renewable energy, the framework provides for solar subsidies through the PM Surya Ghar scheme. It also envisages access to low-cost credit through J&K Bank to support the development of homestay facilities.

Bed and Breakfast establishments included

Apart from homestays, the policy allows eligible residential properties that are not being used by families as their own residences to be registered as Bed and Breakfast establishments. The provision is intended to increase accommodation options for visitors and create additional income opportunities.

The government has identified rural, border, heritage and emerging tourist destinations as areas for expanding homestay-based tourism. The framework seeks to enable local residents to host visitors, showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s culture and hospitality, and benefit economically from tourism.

By encouraging accommodation managed by local households and widening the range of registered tourist stays, the policy aims to strengthen local economies and promote the region’s heritage while distributing tourism-related opportunities across more communities.