Sun Aug 03 13:50:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary:

**Summary:**

The Indian Tourism Department is soliciting applications for a central government initiative called “Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas,” part of the broader Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA). This project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to establish 1,000 homestays across the nation, fostering responsible tourism and improving livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. In the Shivamogga district, specifically Virupinakoppa and Sadashivapura villages, eligible beneficiaries can receive subsidies of up to ₹5 lakh for setting up new homestays or ₹3 lakh for renovations. The deadline for application submissions is August 11th.

**News Article:**

**Shivamogga District Seeks Applications for Tribal Homestay Development Project**

**Shivamogga, August 3, 2025:** The Tourism Department of Shivamogga district has announced the opening of applications for a central government-backed initiative to develop homestays in tribal villages. This project falls under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA), a nationwide scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism to promote responsible tourism and improve the economic prospects of tribal communities.

The project aims to establish 1,000 homestays across India, offering tourists an authentic cultural experience while simultaneously providing income-generating opportunities for local tribal populations.

In Shivamogga district, the villages of Virupinakoppa (Muddinakoppa gram panchayat) and Sadashivapura (B. Beeranahalli panchayat) have been selected for the initial phase of the project.

Eligible beneficiaries can receive a subsidy of up to ₹5 lakh per project for the construction of new homestays. A subsidy of up to ₹3 lakh is also available for the renovation of existing tribal homes to meet the standards required for hosting tourists.

“This is a significant opportunity for tribal communities to participate in the growing tourism sector,” said a statement released by the Shivamogga district administration. “By offering authentic cultural experiences, these homestays will not only attract tourists but also contribute to the preservation of tribal traditions and customs.”

Interested applicants must submit their applications, along with required documents, by August 11th. Documents include a caste certificate, Aadhar card, house documents, a photograph, and a no-objection certificate from the gram panchayat.

For further information and application details, contact the Assistant Director of the Tourism Department at 08182-251444 or 70262-96510.

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