One India, One Registration: NIDHI Portal to Boost Homestay Standards Across India

The Government of India is pushing forward its One India One Registration NIDHI Portal initiative to enhance the quality and classification of homestays across the country, including rural and tribal areas. Under the voluntary scheme of Incredible India Homestay Establishments, the Ministry of Tourism classifies fully operational homestay rooms into two categories—Gold and Silver—based on established guidelines. The scheme does not provide direct financial assistance.

Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, said the initiative aims to standardize services and improve the experience for both domestic and international tourists.

One India One Registration NIDHI Portal: Tribal Homestay Development

The government has also approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan to uplift the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, with a plan to develop 1,000 homestays. States and Union Territories can receive up to ₹5 crore for implementing 5–10 homestays per village in clusters of 5–6 villages, subject to eligibility criteria outlined in guidelines issued on July 1, 2025.

Additionally, the Union Budget 2025–26 announced collateral-free Mudra Loans for homestay operators, further encouraging entrepreneurship in rural and tribal regions.

One India One Registration NIDHI Portal: Data and Functionality

The NIDHI portal serves as a database of registered and classified/approved hospitality units under the voluntary classification scheme. It does not act as a booking platform, nor does it track tourism or occupancy data. State-wise and year-wise details of rural homestays registered under this initiative are available in the annexure provided by the ministry.

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