States » EastPosted at: Nov 5 2026 11:14PM


West Bengal launches online portal to streamline homestay registration

Kolkata, Nov 5 The West Bengal government's tourism department on Thursday launched a dedicated online portal to bring the entire homestay registration process — from application and inspection to certification — onto a single digital platform, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said.
The portal was unveiled at the Udayachal Tourist Lodge in Salt Lake by Ghosh in the presence of Chief Secretary Chandra Chakraborty, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism Department Barun Kumar Ray and other officials.
Ghosh said the initiative was aimed at making it easier for homestay owners to register their properties without visiting government offices, while bringing greater transparency and predictability to the approval process.
"The objective is to make homestay registration faster, simpler and more predictable, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. The entire process, from application to inspection and certification, will now be available on a single digital platform," Ghosh said.
He said the portal would also help bring unregistered homestays, particularly those operating in rural, tribal and remote areas, into the formal tourism network.
"Homestays have become an important part of West Bengal's tourism economy, particularly in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, the Dooars, the Sundarbans and the districts of Jangalmahal and the western plateau. We want to make it easier for more local entrepreneurs and households to participate in this sector," Ghosh said.
Under the new system, homestay owners can submit applications online, upload prescribed documents and track the status of their applications at every stage, he said.
The District-level Inspection Committee will schedule and record inspections through the portal, replacing the earlier system of manual reports. Once an application is approved, the Certificate of Registration will be generated digitally and made available for download, eliminating the need for physical collection.
Ghosh said the system would allow applicants, district administrations and the Tourism Department to work on a common platform and ensure greater uniformity in the registration process across West Bengal.
"The aim is to create a transparent, paperless and citizen-centric public service. Applicants will be able to see the progress of their applications, while the department will have a reliable database of approved homestays for planning, promotion and monitoring," he said.
The minister said the initiative would also provide a financial incentive to registered homestay operators. Every registered homestay would be eligible for financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh, payable in two equal instalments, under the West Bengal Homestay Policy for upgrading facilities and services.
"This is not only about registration. It is also about improving the quality of homestays and creating livelihood opportunities, especially for rural households, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups and local youth," Ghosh said.
He said a reliable register of government-inspected and registered homestays would also give tourists greater confidence while choosing accommodation.
"Visitors will be able to choose government-inspected and registered homestays with greater confidence. At the same time, registered properties will provide a wider base to showcase West Bengal's culture, cuisine, crafts and landscapes," Ghosh said.
The minister urged prospective homestay owners and entrepreneurs across the state to register their units through the new portal and avail themselves of the benefits available under the West Bengal Homestay Policy.
The portal is available at the West Bengal Tourism Department's website under the homestay section.UNI XC CDS
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