The government's 'Incredible India' Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme enables homeowners to convert spare rooms into income-generating assets. According to reports from ABP Live News, the scheme is specifically designed for individuals living in their own homes with one to six spare rooms. Each room can accommodate up to two guests and must meet basic hospitality standards, including proper bed, clean linen, attached bathroom, and access to running hot and cold water. While registration with the central government is not mandatory, listing on the Ministry of Tourism's NITI portal can increase visibility and improve chances of receiving bookings, particularly during official visits or events.
The scheme offers comprehensive financial support to encourage participation. As reported by ABP Live News, several states offer capital subsidies of up to 30% or around ₹1 lakh per room to help set up or upgrade facilities. In some regions, such as Goa, this support can go up to ₹2 lakh. Additionally, homeowners can access collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh under the PM Mudra scheme to renovate their property for B&B operations. Additional benefits may include interest rate subsidies and margin money support, reducing the financial burden on applicants. Some states also provide preferential loan terms for women entrepreneurs.
The scheme operates within a structured regulatory environment. According to ABP Live News, while central registration is optional, certain states including Goa, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala require compliance with local regulations. The initiative aims to promote small, home-based tourism units while ensuring a minimum level of comfort and cleanliness for visitors. The defined standards for facilities and hygiene provide a framework for maintaining quality while keeping regulatory burden relatively low for participants.
