Meghalaya Announces Support Scheme for Homestays Ahead of National Games 2027

In February 2026, Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, announced a project to support local residents in developing homestays in the state. The goal is to prepare for the National Games scheduled for 2027. The government will provide a subsidy covering 70 percent of the costs for setting up these homestays, which are specially designed to also serve as sports hostels during the games. The main idea behind this project is to solve the problem of accommodation that often occurs during large events like the National Games. When many visitors come to a place, finding enough places to stay can be a challenge. By creating homestays, the government wants to provide more options for visitors. These homestays will be owned and operated by local residents, giving them a chance to earn income. After the games are over, the owners can continue running these homestays for future tourists. This initiative is also part of a broader plan to improve Meghalaya’s tourism. The government hopes that by building these new homestays and sports hostels, more travelers will visit the area. This could help boost local businesses and increase community income. The focus is on creating infrastructure that benefits the community now and in the future. However, as of the current date in February 2026, many specifics about the project have not been announced. It is not clear how many homestays will be built, where they will be located, or how much total money has been allocated for this scheme. There is also no official information about how many jobs might be created through this project or what the expected revenue will be for the local community. Similarly, details about who can benefit from the subsidy, the process for applying, and the selection criteria remain unclear. It is also not yet confirmed how long it will take to complete the homestays before the National Games, or how they will be marketed to attract visitors. Questions about the standards for quality, environmental sustainability measures, and involvement of local communities in managing these homestays have not been answered. Despite the positive intentions behind the scheme, many aspects of its implementation need to be clarified. The government has yet to provide information on how they will monitor progress, evaluate success, or involve private sector partners in the project. Additionally, plans for training homestay owners, ensuring safety standards, and integrating this initiative with other tourism programs are still to be announced. The project’s success will depend on how effectively these details are addressed in the coming months. The aim is to make the homestays a lasting benefit for Meghalaya, not just a temporary solution for the 2027 Games. Proper planning and clear communication will be necessary to ensure that this scheme benefits local residents, enhances tourism, and maintains the state’s environmental and cultural integrity. Overall, Meghalaya’s plan to develop homestays with government support marks an effort to create sustainable tourism infrastructure. As the project details are finalized, the focus will remain on providing quality experiences for visitors and meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The scheme is still in its early stages, with many key questions to be answered in the future.