Uttarakhand: Tourism department starts online registration for self-employment schemes

DEHRADUN: To provide employment opportunities to those who returned to the state in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, the Uttarakhand tourism department started the online registration facility for Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Tourism Self-Employment and Homestay Scheme. The scheme is aimed at enabling local youths to start small-scale employment.
Under the scheme, one can buy diesel or electric buses and the state will provide a 50% subsidy or up to Rs 15 lakh for the purchase.These buses would be allowed to operate on designated routes across the state. However, it has been mandatory for such buses to carry the logo of the Uttarakhand Tourism on both sides of the vehicle. The government will also give a subsidy of 25% in case of the purchase of vehicles other than buses under the same scheme.
Similarly, under the homestay scheme, the subsidies to the tune of 33% (or Rs 10 lakh) in hilly areas and 25% (or Rs 7.5 lakh) in the plains will be offered.
Dilip Jawalkar, secretary Tourism, informed that transparency will increase with the implementation of an online application system for the scheme and that it will also save time.
“Applicants who desire to avail benefits under both these schemes will no longer be required to visit the department’s office. The registrations of both the above-mentioned schemes can be done online. Any Uttarakhand resident who wants to benefit from this scheme can register online by visiting the given link — http://vcsgscheme.uk.gov.in. Online registration will also allow real-time monitoring of the applications for both the schemes. This will also facilitate tourists and provide them with more transport options. The scheme will also enable locals in becoming self-employed by getting maximum government support,” he added.