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Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Hoteliers seek central scheme benefits to improve business
Panaji: Faced with a scarcity of financial resources, low visibility, and infrastructural challenges, Goa's small and medium hoteliers have urged the tourism department to use the Centre's schemes to improve the situation. A proposal was submitted to the tourism director outlining how schemes like Swadesh Darshan , Prashad, solar incentives, Mudra, and Skill India could benefit the sector. The proposal details several key areas where central schemes could provide support. 'This segment requires strategic support to overcome structural challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of visibility, infrastructural gaps, and the need for eco-compliance. The tourism department must proactively engage with various Central govt schemes and align them with a localised roadmap for strengthening small and medium hoteliers,' said Santosh Divkar, the president of Small and Medium Hoteliers Association of Goa. The association highlighted the potential of the ministry of new and renewable energy's (MNRE) rooftop solar subsidy scheme for small hoteliers to adopt green energy practices and meet environmental regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Что о вас может рассказать поза во время сна? Удивительные Новости Undo Divkar proposed the establishment of a green hospitality transition grant to provide a 50% capital subsidy under the MNRE's rooftop solar programme so that it aligns with benefits offered to domestic consumers. Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Prashad, the association suggests enabling the participation of smaller hotels in tourism circuit development and supporting village-level clusters for homestays and cultural accommodations. 'Funds could also be used for community rest areas, signage, and infrastructure in less popular destinations,' said Divkar. For green initiatives, beyond the solar subsidy, the proposal includes incentives for solar water heaters, energy-efficient lighting, and net metering. It also suggests promoting 'solar villages' powered by micro-enterprise homestay operators. To enhance compliance with environmental norms, Divkar suggested that the state must facilitate partnerships with agencies for eco-certification and subsidised provisions for composting, grey water reuse, and waste segregation infrastructure. Skill development is another urgent requirement, said Divkar. He recommended district-level training in housekeeping, online booking, local cuisine, and eco-tourism operations under central schemes like 'Hunar Se Rozgar', Skill India, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The latter could also upskill local artisans, he said. The association said that a digital onboarding drive to register smaller hotels on online platforms and the Goa tourism app will benefit the sector. Access to finance would be improved by promoting Mudra loans and utilising PMEGP for new or renovated homestays. Integrating agri-tourism through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), supporting women entrepreneurs, and enhancing disaster preparedness are also part of the association's comprehensive proposal. The SMHAG believes that a strategic alignment of central schemes with a localised roadmap is crucial for strengthening small and medium hoteliers in Goa.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Calangute forum files plaint over beach vegetation damage
Calangute: Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) on Thursday lodged a complaint before the chief secretary and other authorities against a developer for destroying beach vegetation on a property. Beach vegetation on the property bearing survey no. 208/1C of Calangute village has been destroyed, violating the Environmental Protection Act and a high court order. CCF president Premanand Divkar said, 'It is evident that these actions not only threaten the biodiversity and ecological balance of our coastal areas but also undermine community efforts to promote sustainability and protect our natural resources.' Destroying beach vegetation can cause erosion, loss of habitat, and reduce recreational options for locals and tourists. 'As per the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, it is imperative that immediate action is taken to investigate this matter and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Additionally, measures must be implemented to prevent further destruction of beach vegetation and restore damaged areas,' Divkar said in the complaint.
